Overview
West Aliquippa STP serves approximately 24,000 residents in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, as part of the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa's wastewater infrastructure. The plant discharges treated effluent into the Ohio River watershed.
West Aliquippa STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Aliquippa, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. It serves a population of around 24,000 people, making it a medium-sized plant under U.S. EPA classification. The plant is operated by the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa and is situated near the Ohio River. As a U.S. facility, West Aliquippa STP operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. Plants of this scale typically employ secondary treatment processes, such as activated sludge or trickling filters, to meet effluent limits for biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids. The plant's design and operation must comply with state and federal regulations to protect water quality. The treated wastewater from West Aliquippa STP is discharged into the Ohio River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River system. The Ohio River supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for millions downstream. The plant's discharge contributes to the overall nutrient and pollutant load in the river, making effective treatment essential for maintaining ecological health.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Ohio River, which flows southwest to join the Mississippi River and ultimately empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The Ohio River watershed supports a variety of fish species and is an important migratory corridor for birds. Downstream, the Mississippi River delta and Gulf Coast ecosystems are sensitive to nutrient pollution, which can contribute to hypoxic zones. Effective wastewater treatment at plants like West Aliquippa STP helps reduce nutrient loads and protect these downstream environments.
Frequently asked questions
West Aliquippa STP is located at 160 Constitution Boulevard in Woodlawn, Aliquippa, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, United States.
The plant serves approximately 24,000 residents in the Aliquippa area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Ohio River, which flows into the Mississippi River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico.
As a U.S. facility, West Aliquippa STP operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated through an NPDES permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Plants of this scale in the U.S. typically employ secondary treatment, such as activated sludge or trickling filters, to meet EPA effluent guidelines for BOD and TSS removal.
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