Overview
South Portland STP serves 21,953 people in South Portland, Maine, USA. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act and discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed.
South Portland STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located at 111 Waterman Drive in South Portland, Maine. It serves a population of approximately 21,953 residents in the city and surrounding areas, operating as part of the region's essential water infrastructure. As a US-based plant, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality. Plants serving this population typically employ secondary treatment as a minimum standard. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean via Casco Bay. This coastal discharge location underscores the importance of effective treatment to protect marine ecosystems and recreational waters in the area.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Casco Bay watershed, a coastal estuary that supports diverse marine life including fish, shellfish, and seabirds. The bay is an important ecological and recreational resource for southern Maine. Treated effluent from the plant contributes to the freshwater flow into the bay, and effective nutrient removal is critical to prevent eutrophication and maintain water quality in this sensitive coastal environment.
Frequently asked questions
South Portland STP is located at 111 Waterman Drive in South Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, United States.
The plant serves approximately 21,953 people in the city of South Portland and surrounding areas.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, which flows into Casco Bay and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean.
As a US facility, South Portland STP operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality.
Plants serving populations of this size typically employ secondary treatment as a minimum, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. Many also incorporate disinfection and nutrient removal to meet local water quality standards.
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