Overview
Benton WWTP serves approximately 30,681 people in Benton, Arkansas. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, with state-issued NPDES permits regulating its discharge.
Benton WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Benton, Saline County, Arkansas. Serving a population of around 30,681, it is a medium-sized agglomeration typical of the region's urban centers. The plant is part of the city's infrastructure managed by local authorities. Under the U.S. Clean Water Act, plants of this scale are required to meet secondary treatment standards through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment - Division of Environmental Quality oversees permitting and compliance. Secondary treatment is the baseline for municipal plants serving populations over 10,000. The plant discharges into the Saline River watershed, which flows into the Ouachita River and ultimately the Mississippi River. This drainage system supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for downstream communities. The plant's location inland, over 50 km from the coast, reduces direct marine impact but emphasizes the importance of protecting freshwater ecosystems.
Environmental context
Benton WWTP discharges into the Saline River basin, part of the larger Ouachita River watershed that drains into the Mississippi River. The Saline River supports diverse fish and mussel populations and is used for recreation. Downstream, the Ouachita River flows through ecologically sensitive wetlands before reaching the Mississippi, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Protecting water quality in this chain is critical for regional biodiversity and downstream communities.
Frequently asked questions
Benton WWTP is located in Benton, Saline County, Arkansas, United States.
Benton WWTP serves approximately 30,681 people, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal treatment facility.
The plant discharges into the Saline River watershed, which flows into the Ouachita River and then the Mississippi River, ultimately reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
The plant operates under the Clean Water Act, requiring an NPDES permit issued by the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment. This permit sets limits on pollutants to protect water quality.
For medium-sized agglomerations like Benton, secondary treatment is the standard under the Clean Water Act. This typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids.
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