Wastewater & Biosolids Management

Metropolitan Washington is home to some of the largest and most advanced wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the country. These plants, which serve approximately 90 percent of the region’s population, treat household and commercial sewage to return it safely to the environment meeting health and environmental standards. The region’s huge investments in improving wastewater treatment have yielded significant progress, such as improved water quality in the Potomac River.

COG supports its member governments and wastewater utilities by providing extensive monitoring and analysis on a wide range of issues that impact or may have implications for the region’s WWTPs and their biosolids programs. This support includes providing briefings and presentations, as well as regular forums for the Water Resources Technical Committee (WRTC) to discuss technical issues and to develop policy recommendations for the Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee (CBPC). Currently this support also includes very active engagement in EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program restoration efforts – which have significant regional implications for the region’s water quality, wastewater, biosolids, and stormwater programs.

COG also provides specialized wastewater and biosolids support to the Parties to the 2012 Blue Plains Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA), who share in the services provided by the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant. Blue Plains, located in the District of Columbia, is the largest advanced treatment facility in the world.