Shoreham Wastewater Treatment Plant, Vermont - Secondary Treatment Facility

The Shoreham wastewater treatment plant is located in Shoreham, Vermont, United States. It serves a small population of 260 residents, reflecting its role as a local municipal facility in a rural setting. The plant is situated near Vermont Route 74 East, within Addison County. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard biological process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 132.49 units and a current discharge volume of 53.00 units, the facility operates at approximately 40% of its capacity. Under the U.S. Clean Water Act, such plants are regulated through National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, which set effluent limits to protect water quality. The treated effluent is discharged into a local water body, likely a tributary of the Lake Champlain basin. Lake Champlain is a large freshwater lake that drains into the Richelieu River and eventually the St. Lawrence River. The plant's discharge contributes to the nutrient load in the watershed, which is a concern for Lake Champlain's water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

The plant discharges into a local stream that flows into the Lake Champlain basin. Lake Champlain is a major freshwater lake that supports diverse aquatic life, including fish species like lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon. The watershed is ecologically sensitive due to nutrient pollution, which can cause algal blooms. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce organic pollutants, but nutrient removal may be limited. The discharge ultimately reaches the Richelieu River and the St. Lawrence River, affecting downstream ecosystems.