NEORSD Southerly WWTP - Major Wastewater Treatment Plant in Valley View, Ohio

The NEORSD Southerly WWTP is a large municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Valley View, Ohio, within the Cuyahoga County region. It serves a population of approximately 607,312 people, making it one of the largest treatment facilities in the state. The plant is operated by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD), which manages wastewater and stormwater for the greater Cleveland area. As a facility of this scale in the United States, the plant is subject to the Clean Water Act and operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in million gallons per day or similar unit), indicating substantial treatment capability. Large plants typically employ secondary or advanced treatment to meet permit limits. The plant discharges treated effluent into the Cuyahoga River, which flows northward into Lake Erie, part of the Great Lakes system. The Cuyahoga River has a history of environmental challenges, and the plant plays a critical role in protecting water quality in this sensitive watershed. The facility's operations are essential for maintaining the ecological health of Lake Erie and supporting downstream aquatic life.

The NEORSD Southerly WWTP discharges into the Cuyahoga River, which flows approximately 100 miles north to Lake Erie, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The Cuyahoga River watershed supports diverse aquatic habitats and is an important migratory corridor for fish. The plant's effluent quality is critical for preventing nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie, a concern for the region's drinking water and recreation.