Overview
Athens WWTP and Sewer System serves approximately 21,342 residents in Athens, Ohio. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, treating municipal wastewater before discharge into the local watershed.
The Athens WWTP and Sewer System is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Athens, Ohio, serving a population of about 21,342. Situated in the Hocking River basin, the plant is part of the region's infrastructure for managing domestic wastewater from the city and surrounding areas. As a facility serving a medium-sized agglomeration, the plant is expected to meet secondary treatment standards under the US Clean Water Act, as administered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program governs discharge limits to protect water quality in the receiving waters. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the Hocking River, which flows into the Ohio River and ultimately the Mississippi River system. This downstream connection highlights the plant's role in maintaining water quality in a major US river basin, supporting aquatic life and recreational uses.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Hocking River, a tributary of the Ohio River, which flows into the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The Hocking River watershed supports diverse aquatic habitats and is used for recreation. The plant's discharge must comply with state water quality standards to protect downstream ecosystems, including fish populations and benthic communities.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 5 Utah Place, Sells Park, Athens, Ohio, in Athens County.
The plant serves approximately 21,342 residents in the city of Athens and surrounding areas.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Hocking River, which flows into the Ohio River and eventually the Mississippi River system.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with discharge permits issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency through the NPDES program.
Plants of this size typically provide secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting EPA standards.
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