Wastewater Treatment Plants

Rising demands from increased development make treating wasterwater extremely difficult.  If sewage treatment plants are not monitored and updated with new technology, rising demands can cause plants to have system overloads, mechanical breakdowns, or improper operation. 

This can result in raw sewage overflow into the receiving water body.  In order to meet rising demands, upgrades to out-of-date wastewater treatment plants throughout the upper basin are necessary to maintain and improve water quality.

Wastewater Treatment Plant No Longer Discharges Upstream

On June 9, 2010 McDowell county annouced that the City of Marion's Catawba River wastewater treatment plant will no longer discharge into the Catawba River upstream from Lake James.  This is part of a multi-year effort to consolidate and upgrade out-of-date wastewater treatment facilities.  All of the wastewater that would be treated at this site will be diverted to the city's larger Corpening Creek wastewater treatment plant.

The Corpening Creek plant is currently undergoing several repairs and upgrades to accommodate the additional waste as part of the project.  "The demonstrated, written support of many organizations, especially the Lake James Environmental Association was vital to the success of the project.  The City deeply appreciates their support and encouragement over the past few years.” says Mayor Steve Little.

By updating wastewater treatment plants and consolidating waste to more up-to-date facilities it will greatly increase water quality by adding new technology and less contaminated discharge.  Taking steps to improve wastewater treatment plants will only improve water quality and greatly reduce the negative impact on this watershed.

For more information about the wastewater consolidation project click here.

For more information about the Corpening Creek wastewater treatment plant click here.

More Information about Wastewater Treatment Capabilities