Overview
New Bedford Wastewater District serves 108,829 people in Massachusetts, USA. The plant discharges treated effluent into the coastal waters of Buzzards Bay, a vital estuary ecosystem.
The New Bedford Wastewater District is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, serving a population of approximately 108,829. The plant is situated on South Rodney French Boulevard along the coast of Buzzards Bay, an important estuary on the southern coast of Massachusetts. As a large agglomeration serving over 100,000 people, the plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal wastewater discharges. The facility has a designed capacity of 1.00 million gallons per day, reflecting its role in managing the region's wastewater. The plant's treatment processes are designed to meet National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements, ensuring compliance with federal and state water quality standards. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into Buzzards Bay, which flows into Rhode Island Sound and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. Buzzards Bay is an ecologically sensitive area that supports diverse marine life, including shellfish beds, finfish, and migratory birds. The plant's operations are critical to protecting the bay's water quality and the health of downstream coastal ecosystems.
Environmental context
The New Bedford Wastewater District discharges treated effluent into Buzzards Bay, a coastal embayment that connects to Rhode Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Buzzards Bay is a productive estuary that supports commercial and recreational fisheries, including shellfish harvesting. The bay's watershed includes urban, agricultural, and forested areas, and the plant's discharge must meet strict nutrient and pathogen limits to prevent eutrophication and protect public health.
Frequently asked questions
The New Bedford Wastewater District is located at South Rodney French Boulevard in New Bedford, Massachusetts, along the coast of Buzzards Bay.
The plant serves approximately 108,829 people in the New Bedford area, classifying it as a large municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The plant discharges treated effluent into Buzzards Bay, a coastal estuary that flows into Rhode Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
The plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Under the Clean Water Act, municipal plants serving over 100,000 people typically require secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids.
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