BENLD STP Wastewater Treatment Plant, Macoupin County, Illinois

BENLD STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Macoupin County, Illinois, serving a population of approximately 1,740 residents. The facility is situated in a rural area of the state, reflecting the small-scale infrastructure typical of communities in this region. As a small agglomeration under US regulations, the plant is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Facilities of this scale commonly employ secondary treatment technologies to meet Clean Water Act standards for effluent quality. The plant discharges treated wastewater into local waterways within the Mississippi River basin. The receiving waters ultimately flow into the Mississippi River, which supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and serves as a major water resource for the central United States. Proper treatment at this facility helps protect downstream water quality and aquatic habitats.

The plant's treated effluent enters local streams that drain into the Mississippi River basin. The Mississippi River system supports a wide range of aquatic life, including fish, mussels, and migratory birds. Maintaining effective wastewater treatment is essential to prevent nutrient loading and protect the ecological health of these downstream waters.