Poolesville STP - Wastewater Treatment Plant in Poolesville, Maryland

Poolesville STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Poolesville, Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. The facility serves a population of about 3,800 residents, placing it in the small-to-medium agglomeration category for U.S. wastewater infrastructure. As a U.S. plant, Poolesville STP operates under the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. For plants serving populations under 10,000, secondary treatment is typically required, though specific treatment levels may vary based on state and local regulations. The plant's design and operation are overseen by the Maryland Department of the Environment. The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Potomac River and then the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a large estuary with significant ecological importance, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a critical habitat for migratory species. The plant's operations contribute to protecting water quality in this sensitive ecosystem.

Poolesville STP discharges into the Potomac River watershed, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The Chesapeake Bay supports a rich diversity of fish, crabs, and waterfowl, and is a vital ecological and economic resource. The plant's treatment processes help reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, protecting downstream water quality in this sensitive estuarine environment.