Clarkson Wastewater Treatment Plant - Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

The Clarkson Wastewater Treatment Plant is a major municipal facility located in Mississauga, Ontario, within the Peel Region of the Golden Horseshoe. It serves a population of around 357,000, making it a large-scale treatment plant under Canadian standards. The plant is situated near the shores of Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes, which is a critical freshwater resource. As a large agglomeration, the plant is expected to provide advanced treatment to meet stringent environmental standards. Under the Canada Water Act and provincial regulations from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, such facilities must comply with effluent quality criteria to protect the receiving water body. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in million cubic meters per day or similar unit), indicating a substantial infrastructure investment. The treated effluent from the plant discharges into Lake Ontario, which ultimately flows through the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean. Lake Ontario supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for millions. The plant plays a crucial role in preventing nutrient and pathogen pollution, thereby safeguarding the lake's ecological health and recreational uses.

The plant discharges into Lake Ontario, part of the Great Lakes system, which drains via the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean. Lake Ontario is a vital freshwater resource supporting fisheries, recreation, and municipal water supply. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast (Lake Ontario shoreline) means its effluent can influence nearshore water quality, particularly in terms of nutrient loading and bacterial contamination. Protecting this watershed is essential for maintaining the ecological balance of the Great Lakes basin.