Ocean City WWTP - Maryland Coastal Wastewater Treatment Plant

Ocean City WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility serving the town of Ocean City, Maryland, on the Atlantic coast. With a population served of 205,000, it is classified as a large agglomeration under US regulatory frameworks. The plant is situated near the coast, highlighting its role in protecting coastal water quality. As a US facility, Ocean City WWTP operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment. For a plant of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, and advanced treatment may be mandated to protect sensitive coastal waters. The designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating a substantial infrastructure footprint. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Atlantic Ocean via the coastal watershed. This area supports diverse marine life, including fish, shellfish, and migratory species. Proper treatment is critical to prevent nutrient pollution and protect the ecological health of the coastal zone, which is also important for tourism and recreation in Ocean City.

The plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean via the coastal watershed of Maryland. The receiving waters support a rich marine ecosystem, including fish, crabs, and migratory birds. Nutrient loading from wastewater can contribute to algal blooms and hypoxia, making effective treatment essential for maintaining water quality and ecological balance in this coastal environment.