Overview
Little Current Wastewater Treatment Lagoon serves 1,821 residents in Ontario, Canada. The lagoon-based system discharges treated effluent into the North Channel of Lake Huron.
Little Current Wastewater Treatment Lagoon is a municipal facility located in the community of Little Current on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. The plant serves a population of approximately 1,821 people and operates as a lagoon treatment system, a common approach for small communities in the region. As a lagoon-based facility, the treatment process relies on natural biological and physical processes to treat wastewater. The plant has a designed capacity of 1.00 million liters per day. Under Ontario's regulatory framework, such facilities are subject to the Ontario Water Resources Act and Environmental Protection Act, which set effluent quality standards to protect receiving waters. The treated effluent is discharged into the North Channel of Lake Huron, a major water body that connects to the Great Lakes system. Lake Huron supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for millions. The plant's location on Manitoulin Island, the world's largest freshwater island, underscores the importance of maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive area.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the North Channel of Lake Huron, which flows into Georgian Bay and ultimately the St. Lawrence River and Atlantic Ocean. Lake Huron is a critical freshwater resource supporting fish populations such as lake trout and whitefish, and its shoreline provides habitat for migratory birds. The surrounding Manitoulin Island region is known for its karst geology and unique ecosystems, making water quality protection essential.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Little Current, on Manitoulin Island, in the province of Ontario, Canada.
The plant serves a population of approximately 1,821 residents.
The treated effluent is discharged into the North Channel of Lake Huron, which is part of the Great Lakes system.
The plant operates under Ontario's water regulations, including the Ontario Water Resources Act and the Environmental Protection Act, which set effluent standards for discharges into the Great Lakes.
Small communities in Canada often use lagoon systems or mechanical treatment plants. Lagoons are common due to lower operational costs and effective natural treatment for small populations.
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