Little Patuxent WWTP - Savage, Maryland Wastewater Treatment Plant

Little Patuxent WWTP is a major wastewater treatment facility located in Savage, Maryland, serving a population of approximately 117,556. The plant is part of the Howard County municipal infrastructure and plays a key role in managing wastewater for the region. As a large agglomeration serving over 100,000 people, the plant is expected to provide at least secondary treatment under the US Clean Water Act. The facility's designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating it is sized to handle significant flows. Typical plants of this scale employ advanced biological treatment to meet NPDES permit requirements. The plant discharges into the Patuxent River watershed, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a vital estuary with sensitive ecosystems, and nutrient removal is critical to protect water quality. The plant's operations are subject to stringent state and federal regulations to minimize environmental impact.

The Little Patuxent WWTP discharges into the Patuxent River, a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, supporting diverse aquatic life including blue crabs, oysters, and migratory fish. Nutrient pollution from wastewater is a key concern, and the plant's treatment level is crucial for maintaining the bay's health.