Overview
CEDARBURG STP serves approximately 11,436 residents in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act framework, discharging treated wastewater into the Lake Michigan basin.
CEDARBURG STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Cedarburg, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, serving a population of about 11,436. The plant is situated within the Lake Michigan watershed, approximately 50 kilometers from the lake's shoreline, and plays a key role in protecting local water quality. As a US facility serving a medium-sized community, CEDARBURG STP is subject to the Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. Plants of this scale typically employ secondary treatment as a minimum, with potential nutrient removal to address Great Lakes water quality concerns. The designed capacity of 1.00 million gallons per day suggests the plant is sized for the community's needs. The plant's discharge ultimately reaches Lake Michigan, a vital freshwater resource supporting drinking water, recreation, and diverse aquatic ecosystems. The facility's operation is critical for preventing nutrient pollution and protecting the lake's ecological health, particularly given the region's sensitivity to algal blooms and invasive species.
Environmental context
CEDARBURG STP discharges into the Lake Michigan basin, part of the Great Lakes system, which holds 20% of the world's surface freshwater. The downstream environment includes sensitive coastal wetlands and spawning habitats for fish such as lake trout and whitefish. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast means its effluent can influence nearshore water quality, making nutrient management essential to prevent eutrophication.
Frequently asked questions
CEDARBURG STP is located at Park Circle in Cedarburg, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, United States.
The plant serves approximately 11,436 residents in the Cedarburg area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Lake Michigan basin, likely via a local tributary or direct outfall, under an NPDES permit.
As a US facility, CEDARBURG STP operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Plants of this scale typically employ secondary treatment (biological process) as a minimum, often with disinfection. In the Great Lakes region, additional nutrient removal may be required to protect water quality.
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