Overview
Jude House Package WWTP Bel Alton WWTP is a secondary treatment facility serving 345 people in Chapel Point Woods, Maryland. It discharges 37.85 megaliters of treated wastewater annually.
Jude House Package WWTP Bel Alton WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Chapel Point Woods, Charles County, Maryland, United States. The facility serves a small population of 345 residents and operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, which governs wastewater discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level for small communities in the US, which typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 121.13 megaliters and an annual discharge volume of 37.85 megaliters, the plant operates well below its capacity, indicating room for future growth or seasonal variability. The treated effluent is discharged into a local water body that ultimately drains into the Chesapeake Bay watershed, a large and ecologically significant estuary. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means its discharge can influence downstream aquatic habitats, including tidal wetlands and marine environments that support diverse fish and bird species.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge enters a tributary of the Potomac River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The Chesapeake Bay watershed is a critical ecosystem supporting blue crabs, oysters, and migratory fish. Nutrient and pollutant loads from wastewater can contribute to eutrophication and hypoxia in the Bay, making effective treatment essential for water quality.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 8942 Spicewood Run, Chapel Point Woods, Charles County, Maryland, United States.
The plant serves a population of 345 people, typical of a small community package plant.
The treated effluent is discharged into a local water body that drains into the Potomac River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, which requires NPDES permits for all wastewater discharges. Permits are issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Small communities in the US typically use secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to reduce organic matter and solids, meeting EPA standards.
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