Overview
NW Crawford Co SA Springboro STP is an advanced wastewater treatment plant in Springboro, Pennsylvania, serving 1,794 people. It discharges 492.10 thousand cubic meters annually with a designed capacity of 1,135.62.
NW Crawford Co SA Springboro STP is an advanced wastewater treatment facility located in Springboro, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, serving a population of 1,794. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which mandates National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for all discharges to surface waters. As an advanced treatment plant, it goes beyond secondary treatment to remove additional nutrients and contaminants, reflecting the regulatory expectations for facilities protecting sensitive watersheds. The plant has a designed capacity of 1,135.62 thousand cubic meters per year and currently discharges 492.10 thousand cubic meters annually, indicating operational capacity below design. Advanced treatment typically includes biological nutrient removal or tertiary filtration. The plant's discharge volume and capacity suggest it serves a small community with room for growth. The treated effluent from the plant ultimately drains into the Lake Erie basin via local streams and the Conneaut Creek or similar tributaries. Lake Erie is a vital freshwater resource supporting drinking water, recreation, and diverse aquatic life. The plant's advanced treatment helps reduce nutrient loading, which is critical for mitigating harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into a tributary of the Lake Erie watershed, which ultimately drains into Lake Erie. Lake Erie is the shallowest and most biologically productive of the Great Lakes, supporting a major fishery and providing drinking water for millions. Nutrient pollution from wastewater and agriculture has led to recurring harmful algal blooms, making advanced treatment important for reducing phosphorus and nitrogen loads.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Springboro, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, United States.
The plant serves a population of 1,794 people.
The plant discharges treated effluent into a local tributary that flows into the Lake Erie watershed. The discharge volume is 492.10 thousand cubic meters per year.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires an NPDES permit for all discharges. As an advanced treatment facility, it likely meets stringent effluent limits for nutrients and other pollutants.
In the U.S., small to medium communities typically use secondary treatment as a minimum, but advanced treatment may be required for sensitive water bodies. This plant provides advanced treatment, which is above the federal minimum.
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