About Wastewater Treatment Plants

Wastewater treatment plants range from small privately-owned facilities treating sanitary wastewater from a housing development to large regional facilities treating millions of gallons a day of sanitary and industrial wastewater. Plants owned by municipalities are commonly called Publicly-Owned Treatment Plants, or POTWs. In cooperation with local and federal authorities, MassDEP regulates many types of wastewater treatment plants.

More information:
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Contacts

MassDEP and New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission contact information.
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Massachusetts Energy Management Pilot for Drinking Water & Wastewater Facilities

The Massachusetts Energy Management Pilot for Drinking Water & Wastewater Facilities is a project designed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and the amount of energy that facilities use in the treatment of water that flows through the plants by 20%. MassDEP, along with federal, state, and local partners, are working together to assist with the implementation of efficiency and renewable energy projects that will result in substantial energy savings for all the targeted facilities.

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Emergency Planning and Preparedness Tips for WWTP and WTP Operators

Planning for and responding to emergencies at water and wastewater treatment plants
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New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC)

Wastewater Operator Database
NEIWPCC's searchable online database of approved WWTP Operators allows employers and/or licensed wastewater operators to search for approved Massachusetts wastewater operators.
NEIWPCC Web site

Training, Exams & Licenses
NEIWPPC administers training programs for wastewater operators in Massachusetts.
NEIWPCC Web site

Nitrogen Loading Computer Model

This planning tool helps water systems assess how land-use decisions impact water quality near groundwater supplies (the well recharge area). The model is also useful for complying with Title 5 of the State Environmental Code, 310 CMR 15.216, in determining flexibility of septic system density requirements within water supply areas.
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Treatment Plant Lists

Massachusetts Board of Wastewater Treatment Plants Certification Program - Facilities Grading
These grading lists determine the necessary certification level for treatment plant operators.
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Massachusetts Water Pollution Control Association Listing of Treatment Plants
Listing of treatment plants and websites, maintained by the Massachusetts Water Pollution Control Association (MWPCA).
MWPCA Web site

Plants discharging to groundwater (updated March 2009)
Listing of treatment plants in Massachusetts that hold permits to discharge to groundwater.
Individual Permits MS Excel 200 KB | PDF 28 KB
Contact Information MS Excel 83 KB | PDF 38 KB

Plants discharging to rivers, on EPA database
Searchable database of facilities with EPA permits to discharge wastewater to rivers. Information available includes permit dates, discharge limits, monitoring data on actual discharges, and more.
US EPA Web site

Wastewater Operator Certification Forms

Status change, emergency certification, upgrades, reciprocity, training, and more. Includes lists of graded wastewater treatment plants, for determining the level of operator certification required.
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