The Carlisle Region Water Pollution Control Facility can treat up to 7 million gallons of wastewater per day from the collection system before releasing the treated water into the Conodoguinet Creek. A seven-member staff operates and maintains the treatment plant, its equipment and grounds, and six pumping stations throughout the wastewater collection system.
How Wastewater Is Treated
Wastewater goes through several treatment stages to remove solids, break down organic waste through biological and chemical processes, and disinfect the treated water. These processes help reduce pollutants before the water is discharged into the creek.
The treatment process also produces biosolids, the solid material separated from the wastewater. The biosolids are treated with lime to help stabilize them before being applied to agricultural fields.
The facility operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The permit establishes limits on pollutants that may be discharged into local waterways. The facility monitors its treatment processes to ensure it meets applicable permit requirements.
From 2007 to 2012, the facility underwent a major upgrade to meet Chesapeake Bay pollution-reduction requirements. The project included planning, engineering design, and construction, with a total cost of approximately $20 million.