Overview
Algonquin WWTF serves approximately 23,276 people in Algonquin, Illinois. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act via NPDES permits, treating municipal wastewater before discharge.
Algonquin WWTF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Algonquin, Kane County, Illinois. It serves a population of about 23,276 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under US EPA guidelines. The plant is situated in the Fox River watershed, which ultimately drains to the Illinois River and then the Mississippi River. As a US facility, Algonquin WWTF operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, authorized by the Clean Water Act. This regulatory framework requires secondary treatment as a baseline for municipal plants, with more stringent limits for sensitive waters. Typical plants of this scale employ activated sludge or similar biological treatment. The plant's discharge enters the Fox River, a major tributary of the Illinois River. The Fox River supports diverse aquatic life and is used for recreation. Downstream, the Illinois River flows into the Mississippi, which carries water to the Gulf of Mexico. Protecting water quality in this chain is critical for regional ecosystems and drinking water supplies.
Environmental context
The Algonquin WWTF discharges into the Fox River, which flows into the Illinois River and then the Mississippi River, ultimately reaching the Gulf of Mexico. The Fox River watershed supports diverse aquatic species and is an important recreational resource. The plant's operations are subject to EPA and Illinois EPA regulations to protect downstream water quality and aquatic habitats.
Frequently asked questions
Algonquin WWTF is located at 583 South Drive, Algonquin, Illinois, in Kane County, United States.
The plant serves approximately 23,276 people in the Algonquin area.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Fox River, which flows into the Illinois River and then the Mississippi River.
As a US municipal plant, Algonquin WWTF operates under the Clean Water Act and is required to have an NPDES permit issued by the Illinois EPA, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality.
Plants of this scale typically use secondary treatment processes such as activated sludge or trickling filters, followed by disinfection, to meet NPDES permit requirements.
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