Cochenour Sewage Lagoon - Red Lake, Ontario Wastewater Treatment Plant

Cochenour Sewage Lagoon is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located near the community of Cochenour in Red Lake, Ontario, Canada. The plant serves a small population of 323 residents and operates under Ontario's regulatory framework for wastewater systems. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required for small communities in Ontario under the provincial Water Resources Act. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. The plant's discharge volume is reported at 144.80 units, reflecting its small scale. The treated effluent from Cochenour Sewage Lagoon is released into the local environment, which is part of the broader Lake Winnipeg drainage basin. The area is characterized by boreal forest and numerous lakes, making water quality protection important for aquatic ecosystems and downstream communities.

The plant discharges into a watershed that ultimately drains into Lake Winnipeg via the English River system. This region supports diverse aquatic life, including fish species such as walleye and northern pike, and is an important area for migratory birds. Protecting water quality in this boreal ecosystem is critical for maintaining ecological balance and supporting local Indigenous and recreational uses.