Overview
West Elizabeth STP serves approximately 7,055 residents in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which mandates secondary treatment for municipal wastewater facilities.
West Elizabeth STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, serving a population of about 7,055. The facility is situated along the Monongahela River, which ultimately flows into the Ohio River and then the Mississippi River system. As a small-to-medium agglomeration, the plant is subject to U.S. EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements. Under the Clean Water Act, plants of this scale are typically required to provide at least secondary treatment, which involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. The plant's discharge is regulated through an NPDES permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring compliance with water quality standards for the receiving water body. The treated effluent from West Elizabeth STP is discharged into the Monongahela River, a major tributary of the Ohio River. This river system supports diverse aquatic life and is an important water resource for the region. The plant's operations help protect downstream water quality in the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, contributing to the ecological health of the broader watershed.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Monongahela River, which flows north to join the Allegheny River at Pittsburgh, forming the Ohio River. The Ohio River then drains into the Mississippi River, ultimately reaching the Gulf of Mexico. This watershed supports a variety of fish species and is a critical migratory corridor for aquatic life. The plant's treatment processes help reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, protecting downstream ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
West Elizabeth STP is located in Elizabeth, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States, near the Monongahela River.
The plant serves approximately 7,055 residents in the Elizabeth area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Monongahela River, which flows into the Ohio River and eventually the Mississippi River system.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act and is regulated through an NPDES permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Plants of this size are typically required to provide at least secondary treatment, which uses biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids before discharge.
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