McLeod Sewage Treatment Plant - Secondary Treatment in Amherstburg, Ontario

The McLeod Sewage Treatment Plant is located at 458 McLeod Avenue in Amherstburg, Ontario, within Essex County. This facility serves a small population of 793 residents and operates under secondary treatment standards, which is typical for smaller communities in Ontario. As a secondary treatment plant, it uses biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The plant discharges an average of 356 cubic meters of treated wastewater daily. The plant is regulated under Ontario's Environmental Protection Act and the Canada Water Act, which set effluent quality standards for municipal wastewater. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the Detroit River system, which flows into Lake Erie. Lake Erie is a vital freshwater resource supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for millions. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means its discharge has direct implications for the downstream ecosystem, including the Lake Erie basin.

The McLeod Sewage Treatment Plant discharges into the Detroit River, which connects Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. This watershed is part of the Great Lakes Basin, one of the largest freshwater systems in the world. The area supports diverse fish populations, including walleye and perch, and is an important migratory corridor for birds. The plant's secondary treatment helps protect water quality in the downstream Lake Erie ecosystem, which faces challenges from nutrient pollution and algal blooms.