Bussey STL Wastewater Treatment Plant | Bussey, Iowa

Bussey STL is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Bussey, Iowa, serving a small population of about 494 residents. The plant is situated in Marion County and operates under the regulatory framework of the United States 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 required for most municipal facilities in the U.S. to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. Its designed capacity is 189.27 cubic meters per day, with an average discharge volume of 151.42 cubic meters per day, indicating operational capacity utilization within typical ranges. The treated effluent is discharged into local streams that are part of the Mississippi River basin, ultimately draining into the Gulf of Mexico. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in the region, supporting aquatic life and downstream ecosystems.

Bussey STL discharges into tributaries of the Des Moines River, which flows into the Mississippi River and eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico. The local watershed supports diverse aquatic habitats and is important for migratory fish species. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient loading, which is critical for mitigating hypoxia in the Gulf.