SEWAGE WASTES
Sewage wastes are contributing to 16 percent of the impaired streams in the
watershed. Approximately 82 sewage treatment plants are discharging effluent
into the Schuylkill River and its tributaries. One plant provides minimal
primary treatment, whereas 63 and 35 percent are providing more advanced secondary
and tertiary treatment. In some areas, septic systems are leaching inadequately
treated wastes into ground and surface waters. This is particularly true in
older systems, as well as others that are not maintained properly. Additionally,
sewage flows into streams untreated. Those illegal systems are difficult to
detect and bring into compliance with state regulations.
Insufficient treatment and management of sewage wastes can contribute significant levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, fecal coliform bacteria and a variety of chemical substances into the watershed ecosystem. Nutrient enrichment can alter aquatic habitats by promoting algae and other plants that thrive under such conditions. This is a particular problem for impoundments such as Blue Marsh and Ontelaunee Reservoir that function as “closed systems” and trap such nutrients.
The Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) requires municipalities to develop plans that address their present and future needs. Although nearly all municipalities in the watershed have Act 537 Plans, approximately one-half of them are more than 10 years old. It is important that such plans be periodically reviewed and updated.
Figure 33.
Public Sewage Treatment Plants
Source: Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection, 1999
Site Design: Tevlin & Clarke
