Benton Decatur WWTP - Secondary Treatment in Benton County, Tennessee

Benton Decatur WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Benton County, Tennessee, within the West Tennessee region. The plant serves a small population of approximately 200 residents, reflecting its role in a rural community. It operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Clean Water Act, which governs wastewater discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level that removes biodegradable organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 378.54 cubic meters per day and a current discharge volume of 132.49 cubic meters per day, the facility operates well below its capacity. This suggests adequate headroom for future growth or seasonal variations. The treated effluent is discharged into a nearby water body that ultimately drains into the Tennessee River system, a major tributary of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The plant's location within 10 kilometers of the coast (likely referring to the Tennessee River or a large reservoir) underscores the importance of maintaining water quality to protect downstream aquatic habitats and recreational uses.

The plant discharges into a water body that flows into the Tennessee River, which is part of the larger Mississippi River watershed. This region supports diverse aquatic life, including fish species such as bass and catfish, and provides critical habitat for migratory birds. The Tennessee River is also a source of drinking water and recreation for many communities downstream. Protecting water quality here helps sustain the ecological health of the broader river system.