Sudlersville WWTP - Secondary Treatment Plant in Sudlersville, Maryland

Sudlersville WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Sudlersville, Queen Anne's County, Maryland, United States. The facility serves a small population of 497 residents, reflecting its role in a rural community. The plant is situated inland, more than 10 km from the coast, but within 50 km of the Chesapeake Bay. As a secondary treatment plant, Sudlersville WWTP meets the standard requirements under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which mandates secondary treatment for municipal wastewater to protect water quality. The plant has a designed capacity of 340.69 units and currently discharges 310.40 units, indicating it operates below its full capacity. Permitting and oversight are handled by the Maryland Department of the Environment under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The treated effluent from Sudlersville WWTP is discharged into local waterways that ultimately drain into the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The Chesapeake Bay watershed supports diverse aquatic life, including blue crabs, oysters, and striped bass, and is ecologically sensitive to nutrient pollution. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce organic pollutants and protect downstream water quality.

Sudlersville WWTP discharges into tributaries of the Chester River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a major estuary with significant ecological importance, supporting diverse species such as blue crabs, oysters, and migratory fish. The plant's location within the Chesapeake Bay watershed means its effluent contributes to the overall nutrient load, making secondary treatment essential for maintaining bay health.