Benson Town Wastewater Treatment Plant, Benson, Vermont

Benson Town wastewater treatment plant is located in Benson, Vermont, a small community in Rutland County. The plant serves a population of 170, reflecting the rural character of the area. It operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal wastewater discharges. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard biological process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 68.14 million gallons per year and an actual discharge volume of 26.50 million gallons per year, the plant operates well below its capacity. This suggests the facility has room for future growth or seasonal variations. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into Lake Champlain via the Poultney River or nearby tributaries. Lake Champlain is a large freshwater lake shared by Vermont and New York, supporting diverse aquatic life and recreational activities. The plant's location within 10 km of the coast (Lake Champlain shoreline) means its discharge can influence the lake's water quality.

The plant's discharge enters the Lake Champlain basin, a major freshwater ecosystem that drains northward into the Richelieu River and eventually the St. Lawrence River. Lake Champlain is ecologically sensitive, supporting fish species like lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon, and is a vital resource for drinking water and recreation. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient loading, which is critical to prevent algal blooms in the lake.