Lynchburg Regional WWTP, Lynchburg

Overview

Lynchburg Regional WWTP serves approximately 79,675 people in Lynchburg, Virginia. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES permit program.

Lynchburg Regional WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Lynchburg, Virginia, serving a population of about 79,675. The plant is situated on Concord Turnpike and plays a key role in managing wastewater for the city and surrounding region. As a medium-to-large agglomeration, the plant is expected to meet secondary treatment standards under the US Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits issued by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. These permits set effluent limits to protect water quality in the receiving water body. The plant discharges treated effluent into the James River, which flows southeast to the Chesapeake Bay. This makes the plant's performance important for downstream ecosystems, including the bay's sensitive aquatic habitats and fisheries.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the James River, a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The James River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for fish species. The Chesapeake Bay watershed is ecologically sensitive, with nutrient pollution being a key concern. Effective treatment at this plant helps reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loads that can cause algal blooms and hypoxia in the bay.

Frequently asked questions

The plant is located at 2301 Concord Turnpike in Lynchburg, Virginia, United States.

The plant serves approximately 79,675 people in the Lynchburg area.

The plant discharges treated effluent into the James River, which flows to the Chesapeake Bay.

The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act and is regulated by an EPA NPDES permit issued by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality.

Plants of this scale typically provide secondary treatment as a minimum, with many incorporating advanced nutrient removal to meet Chesapeake Bay watershed goals.