Overview
Buchanan STP serves approximately 4,700 residents in Buchanan, Michigan. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act framework, discharging treated wastewater into the local watershed.
Buchanan STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located at 499 River Street in Buchanan, Michigan, serving a population of about 4,681. The plant is situated in Berrien County, near the St. Joseph River, and plays a key role in managing the community's wastewater. As a small-to-medium agglomeration, the facility is subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program under the US Clean Water Act, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating a scale appropriate for the local population. US regulations typically require secondary treatment for municipal plants of this size. The treated effluent is discharged into the St. Joseph River watershed, which flows into Lake Michigan. This water body supports diverse aquatic life and recreational activities, making proper treatment essential for environmental health. The plant's operations contribute to the protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem, a vital freshwater resource.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the St. Joseph River, which flows westward through Michigan and Indiana before entering Lake Michigan at Benton Harbor. Lake Michigan is part of the Great Lakes system, the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by surface area. The river and lake support a variety of fish species, including salmon and trout, and are important for regional biodiversity. The watershed is also used for recreation and drinking water supply, emphasizing the need for effective wastewater treatment to prevent nutrient pollution and protect aquatic habitats.
Frequently asked questions
Buchanan STP is located at 499 River Street in Buchanan, Michigan, United States, in Berrien County.
The plant serves approximately 4,681 residents in the city of Buchanan and surrounding areas.
The treated effluent is discharged into the St. Joseph River, which flows into Lake Michigan, part of the Great Lakes system.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with discharge permits issued through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
For small municipal plants of this scale, secondary treatment is standard under the Clean Water Act, which typically includes biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
Nearby plants