Leacock Township SA Wastewater Treatment Plant, Leacock Township, Pennsylvania

Leacock Township SA is a wastewater treatment facility located in Leacock Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The plant serves a population of around 4,878 residents in the rural community of Intercourse and surrounding areas. As a small agglomeration, it plays a key role in managing local wastewater in the Susquehanna River basin. Under the US Clean Water Act, plants of this scale typically require secondary treatment as a minimum standard. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, govern discharge limits to protect water quality. The facility is expected to meet federal and state effluent guidelines. The plant's treated effluent likely discharges into a tributary of the Susquehanna River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay watershed is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and fisheries. Proper treatment at this plant helps reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, contributing to the bay's restoration efforts.

The plant is situated in the Susquehanna River basin, with treated effluent likely entering a local stream that drains into the Susquehanna River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a large estuary that supports critical habitats for fish, crabs, and migratory birds. Nutrient pollution from wastewater is a key concern in this watershed, making effective treatment essential for downstream ecosystem health.