Overview
Swan Point WWTP serves La Plata, Maryland, treating wastewater for approximately 945 people. The plant operates under US EPA NPDES regulations, discharging into the Potomac River watershed.
Swan Point WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in La Plata, Charles County, Maryland. It serves a small population of around 945 residents, reflecting its role in a rural or suburban community. The plant is part of the broader wastewater infrastructure managed under state and federal oversight. As a small-scale facility, Swan Point WWTP is subject to the US Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. Plants of this size typically employ secondary treatment or advanced technologies to meet effluent limits. The designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating the plant's scale relative to its service area. The plant's treated effluent ultimately reaches the Potomac River, a major waterway that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. This estuary is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a critical habitat for fish and migratory birds. The plant's operations contribute to protecting water quality in this sensitive watershed.
Environmental context
Swan Point WWTP discharges into the Potomac River basin, which drains into the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The Chesapeake Bay supports a rich ecosystem including blue crabs, oysters, and striped bass, and is a vital migratory corridor for waterfowl. Nutrient and pollutant management from wastewater plants is crucial to maintaining the bay's health and reducing hypoxic zones.
Frequently asked questions
Swan Point WWTP is located at 952 Radio Station Road, La Plata, Charles County, Maryland, United States.
The plant serves approximately 945 people, indicating a small community wastewater system.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Potomac River basin, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay.
As a US facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, enforced by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Small plants like Swan Point typically use secondary treatment, such as activated sludge or lagoon systems, to meet EPA effluent guidelines for BOD and TSS.
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