Wastewater upgrades exceed Chesapeake Bay discharge standards

(Manheim) — A wastewater treatment plant in Lancaster County is exceeding its new nutrient reduction requirements under the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy. The Manheim Borough Authority wastewater treatment plant underwent an $11-million upgrade in order to be in compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Strategy discharge limits being imposed by the federal and state governments. A $4-million state grant helped to mitigate the impact of the project on Manheim’s ratepayers.

Executive Director David Fenicle points out that the revamped plant is outperforming the current limit of six total nitrogen milligrams per liter. “We’re around a three on total nitrogen, but we’re on an average probably four, so we’re exceeding that,” Fenicle explains. “And in total phosphorous, 0.8 was the requirement and we’re around a 0.2.”

The Authority is showing off its recent upgrades to the public today. The open house, which begins at one o’clock this afternoon, coincides with the ribbon-cutting of a new bridge leading into the facility, which is located along Chiques Creek.