Swallow Falls State Park Wastewater Treatment Plant, Garrett County, Maryland

Swallow Falls State Park wastewater treatment plant is located in Garrett County, Maryland, United States. The facility serves a population of 1,000 and operates as part of the state park's infrastructure, treating wastewater generated by visitors and staff. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level for small-scale facilities in the United States. Under the Clean Water Act, such plants are regulated through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality. The plant's designed capacity is 37.85 cubic meters per day, matching its discharge volume. The treated effluent is released into local streams that drain into the Youghiogheny River, a tributary of the Monongahela River, which ultimately flows into the Ohio River and Mississippi River system. The plant's location in a forested, mountainous area means its discharge supports aquatic ecosystems in a region known for recreational activities and biodiversity.

The plant discharges into headwater streams of the Youghiogheny River, which flows through the Appalachian Mountains. These streams support cold-water fisheries, including trout, and are part of a watershed that provides drinking water and recreational opportunities. The surrounding forested area helps buffer the water body from pollution, but careful treatment is essential to maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive region.