Onondaga Co Baldwinsville Seneca Wastewater Treatment Plant, Red Rock, New York

The Onondaga Co Baldwinsville Seneca wastewater treatment plant is located in Red Rock, New York, within Onondaga County. It serves a population of approximately 18,464 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal facility. The plant is situated inland, more than 50 kilometers from the coast, and its operations are subject to federal and state environmental regulations. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal wastewater facilities. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program governs its discharge, ensuring compliance with water quality standards. The designed capacity of 1.00 indicates the plant's intended treatment volume, though current utilization is unspecified. The plant discharges treated effluent into local waterways that ultimately drain into the Lake Ontario basin. Lake Ontario is a major freshwater resource and part of the Great Lakes system, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for millions. The plant's operations are critical for protecting downstream water quality and ecosystem health in the region.

The plant discharges into tributaries of the Oswego River, which flows into Lake Ontario, the easternmost Great Lake. Lake Ontario supports a diverse ecosystem including native fish species and migratory birds. The watershed is ecologically sensitive, with wetlands and riparian habitats that benefit from controlled nutrient and pollutant loads. Protecting this water body is essential for regional biodiversity and water quality.