Jellystone Park Quarryville in Pennsylvania announced a significant step in environmental stewardship with the launch of a wastewater treatment plant aimed at supporting local agriculture. This initiative provides a sustainable irrigation solution for the neighboring farm owned by Ben Flahart.
The recently installed on-site wastewater treatment plant marks an upgrade from the traditional septic system. This facility collects sewage from across the campground, processes it centrally, and treats it to a standard suitable for stream discharge.
Instead of discharging the treated water, it is recycled to irrigate Ben Flahart’s fields, supporting sustainable farming practices.
Shannon Sullivan, chief construction officer at Northgate Resorts, highlighted the significance of the new wastewater treatment system, stating that it will support the local agricultural community in Quarryville.
“By replacing the traditional drain field with a modern sewer system, we’re ensuring efficient wastewater management and a commitment to sustainability,” Sullivan said in a press release.
The park’s collection system has been upgraded with new underground piping to ensure all wastewater is directed to the central plant. The water undergoes treatment to meet proper discharge levels, as regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Utilizing a biological treatment process, the system minimizes waste with minimal chemical usage.
Once treated, the clean water is stored in a large holding tank on the adjacent farm. From there, it is intermittently sprayed over the fields using a central pivot irrigation system, which operates like a large sprinkler, ensuring even crop distribution.
The approach taken by Jellystone Park Quarryville could serve as a model for other communities and parks. The implementation of this wastewater treatment plant demonstrates the potential for similar systems for campground owners and developers.
Northgate Resorts, the owner of Jellystone Park Quarryville, is a family-owned real estate company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Known for its dedication to guest satisfaction and providing family-friendly camping experiences, Northgate operates 20 Jellystone Park locations nationwide.
In 2021, Northgate launched Camp Fimfo, a growing brand of camp resorts featuring a variety of family-oriented activities.
For more information about Jellystone Park Quarryville, visit jellystonepa.com.
Featured image by Jellystone Park Quarryville via jellystonepa.com