Overview
Bad Axe WWTP serves the city of Bad Axe, Michigan, treating wastewater for a population of 3,116. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with a designed capacity of 1.00 million gallons per day.
Bad Axe WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan. The plant serves a population of approximately 3,116 residents, providing essential wastewater treatment for this small community in the Thumb region of Michigan. As a US facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act, with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). For small agglomerations like Bad Axe, secondary treatment is typically required to meet water quality standards. The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into Lake Huron via the Bad Axe River and Saginaw Bay. Lake Huron is one of the Great Lakes, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for millions. The plant plays a key role in protecting this vital freshwater resource.
Environmental context
Bad Axe WWTP discharges into the Bad Axe River, a tributary of the Saginaw River, which flows into Saginaw Bay and then Lake Huron. Lake Huron is a critical freshwater ecosystem supporting fish populations, migratory birds, and recreational activities. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this sensitive Great Lakes watershed.
Frequently asked questions
Bad Axe WWTP is located at 457 Whitelam Street in Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan, United States.
The plant serves a population of approximately 3,116 residents in the city of Bad Axe and surrounding areas.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Bad Axe River, which flows into the Saginaw River and eventually into Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron.
As a US facility, Bad Axe WWTP operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) through an NPDES permit.
For small communities like Bad Axe, secondary treatment is typically required to meet Clean Water Act standards, which includes biological treatment to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
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