Overview
Joint Meeting of Essex and Union CSO_STP is a large wastewater treatment plant in Elizabeth, New Jersey, serving over 750,000 people. It operates under the US Clean Water Act and NPDES permit program.
The Joint Meeting of Essex and Union CSO_STP is a major wastewater treatment facility located in Elizabeth, New Jersey, serving a population of approximately 758,488. As a combined sewer overflow (CSO) plant, it manages both sanitary sewage and stormwater runoff, playing a critical role in protecting public health and the environment in the densely populated New York metropolitan area. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. For a facility of this scale, serving over 750,000 people, advanced treatment is typically required to meet stringent effluent limits, especially in sensitive watersheds. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Arthur Kill, a tidal strait that separates New Jersey from Staten Island, New York, and ultimately flows into Raritan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This waterway supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for fish and birds. The plant's operations are vital for maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive estuarine environment.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Arthur Kill, a tidal strait connecting Newark Bay to Raritan Bay, which then opens to the Atlantic Ocean. This estuarine environment supports diverse aquatic species and serves as a critical habitat for migratory fish and birds. The facility's location within 50 km of the coast and its large service population necessitate robust treatment to protect downstream ecosystems from nutrient pollution and pathogens.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States, at South Front Street in the Liberty Square neighborhood.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Arthur Kill, a tidal strait that flows into Raritan Bay and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean.
The plant helps protect the Arthur Kill and downstream waters including Raritan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from untreated sewage and stormwater pollution.
The plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is required to have an NPDES permit issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality.
Large plants serving over 750,000 people typically employ advanced secondary or tertiary treatment, including biological processes, disinfection, and nutrient removal, to meet stringent NPDES permit requirements.
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