INVESTIGATING WATER AND SOIL CHEMISTRY DYNAMICS DURING EFFLUENT DISCHARGE POINT TRANSITION IN COOPERSTOWN'S WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

Bypassing the Cooperstown wastewater treatment plant's constructed wetland for direct discharge into the Susquehanna River raises concerns about downstream water quality. Through soil sampling and water quality testing we aim to look at the differences between the two discharge points. This study investigates this transition's impact by comparing contaminant levels (nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals) and redox processes (natural attenuation) at both points. Analyzing soil and water samples, we aim to quantify potential increases in downstream contamination due to the bypassed wetland filtration. Using different testing methods, the investigation will compare the original discharge point to the new one. We hypothesize that this shift will significantly elevate contaminant concentrations over time, jeopardizing downstream water quality and public health. By providing crucial data, this research aims to inform environmental management and potential remediation efforts in this sensitive northeast US watershed. Safeguarding the health and integrity of this vital ecosystem requires proactive measures and sustainable practices, and our findings will contribute valuable insights for achieving these goals.