Overview
The Water Pollution Control Plant in Thunder Bay, Ontario serves over 107,000 people. It is an operational facility located near the coast of Lake Superior, Canada's largest Great Lake.
The Water Pollution Control Plant is a municipal wastewater treatment facility serving Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. With a population served of approximately 107,764, it is classified as a large agglomeration under Canadian wastewater standards. The plant is located at 930 Atlantic Avenue in the McKellar district, near the shores of Lake Superior. As a Canadian facility, the plant operates under provincial and federal regulations, including the Ontario Water Resources Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. For a plant of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, and the plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in million liters per day or similar units). The plant is operational and serves the city's wastewater needs. The plant discharges treated effluent into the Lake Superior watershed, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Lake Superior is a critical ecological resource, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for millions. The plant's proximity to the lake (within 50 km of the coast) underscores the importance of effective treatment to protect water quality and the downstream environment.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent ultimately reaches Lake Superior, part of the Great Lakes system, which drains via the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean. Lake Superior is ecologically sensitive, supporting cold-water fish species like lake trout and whitefish, and is a vital resource for regional biodiversity. The plant's location near the lake requires careful management to prevent nutrient loading and contamination.
Frequently asked questions
The Water Pollution Control Plant is located at 930 Atlantic Avenue in the McKellar district of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
The plant serves approximately 107,764 people, classifying it as a large municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Lake Superior watershed, which is part of the Great Lakes system. The plant is within 50 km of the lake coast.
The plant operates under Canadian federal and Ontario provincial regulations, including the Ontario Water Resources Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Large plants like this typically require secondary treatment and permits from the Ministry of the Environment.
For a plant of this scale in Canada, secondary treatment is standard, involving biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. Some plants may also include tertiary treatment for nutrient removal, especially if discharging to sensitive water bodies like the Great Lakes.
Nearby plants