BYRON WWTF - Burns Township, Michigan Wastewater Treatment Plant

BYRON WWTF (Wastewater Treatment Facility) serves the community of Burns Township in Shiawassee County, Michigan. This small-scale plant treats wastewater from approximately 570 residents, reflecting the rural character of the area. The facility is situated inland, away from coastal zones, and its operations are part of Michigan's municipal wastewater infrastructure. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the US Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater facilities. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. The plant's designed capacity matches its current discharge volume of 151.42 units, indicating it operates at full capacity. As a US facility, it is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality. The treated effluent from BYRON WWTF is discharged into local waterways that ultimately drain into the Great Lakes basin. Michigan's water resources are ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for millions. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, contributing to the health of downstream ecosystems.

The plant discharges into the Shiawassee River watershed, which flows into the Saginaw River and then into Saginaw Bay, part of Lake Huron in the Great Lakes system. This region supports diverse aquatic habitats, including wetlands and fish spawning areas. The Great Lakes are a critical freshwater resource, and maintaining water quality through effective wastewater treatment is essential for ecosystem health and human use.