Port Burwell Wastewater Treatment Plant - Bayham, Ontario, Canada

Port Burwell Wastewater Treatment Plant serves the community of Port Burwell in the Municipality of Bayham, Ontario, Canada. This small-scale facility handles wastewater from approximately 1,140 residents, reflecting the rural character of the Lake Erie shoreline area. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. Under Ontario's regulatory framework, smaller facilities like this are permitted under the Environmental Protection Act and Ontario Water Resources Act, with oversight from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. The treated effluent is discharged into the Lake Erie basin, a vital freshwater ecosystem that supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for millions. The plant's coastal location within 10 km of Lake Erie means its discharge must meet strict water quality standards to protect the lake's ecological health and recreational uses.

The plant discharges into the Lake Erie watershed, the southernmost and shallowest of the Great Lakes. Lake Erie supports a rich fishery, including walleye and perch, and provides drinking water for over 11 million people. The lake's western basin is particularly sensitive to nutrient pollution, which can cause harmful algal blooms. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient loads, though additional phosphorus removal may be required in sensitive areas.