Overview
The Opequon Regional Plant serves Frederick County, Virginia, treating wastewater for approximately 42,000 residents. It discharges into the Opequon Creek watershed, part of the Potomac River basin.
The Opequon Regional Plant is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Frederick County, Virginia, serving a population of about 41,955. The plant is situated in the northern Shenandoah Valley, an area characterized by karst topography and agricultural land use. As a facility in the United States, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. For a plant serving a medium-sized agglomeration, secondary treatment is typically required, with potential additional nutrient removal standards due to the Chesapeake Bay watershed's sensitivity. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into Opequon Creek, which flows into the Potomac River and ultimately reaches the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a large estuary with significant ecological importance, supporting diverse aquatic life and fisheries. Nutrient and sediment control are critical in this watershed to mitigate eutrophication and protect bay health.
Environmental context
The Opequon Regional Plant discharges into Opequon Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a major estuary that supports a rich ecosystem, including blue crabs, oysters, and migratory fish. The region's karst geology makes groundwater particularly vulnerable to contamination, so effective wastewater treatment is essential to protect both surface and groundwater quality.
Frequently asked questions
The Opequon Regional Plant is located on Berryville Pike in Frederick County, Virginia, near the town of Winchester.
The plant serves approximately 41,955 people in Frederick County and surrounding areas.
The plant discharges into Opequon Creek, which flows into the Potomac River and eventually reaches the Chesapeake Bay.
The plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, which set limits on pollutants to protect water quality.
For a medium-sized agglomeration in Virginia, secondary treatment is standard, and due to the Chesapeake Bay watershed's sensitivity, enhanced nutrient removal may be required to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loads.
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