Chattanooga Moccasin Bend WWTP - Major Wastewater Treatment Plant in Tennessee

Chattanooga Moccasin Bend WWTP is a major municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, serving a population of approximately 253,000. Situated on Moccasin Bend along the Tennessee River, the plant plays a critical role in managing wastewater for the greater Chattanooga area. As a large-scale facility, the plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal wastewater. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program governs its discharge, ensuring compliance with water quality standards set by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Tennessee River, which flows westward to join the Ohio River and ultimately the Mississippi River. This waterway supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for downstream communities. The plant's operations are essential for protecting the ecological health of the Tennessee River basin.

The Tennessee River is a major tributary of the Ohio River, part of the Mississippi River system that drains into the Gulf of Mexico. The river supports a variety of fish species and provides habitat for migratory birds. The Moccasin Bend area is ecologically sensitive, with wetlands and floodplains that benefit from maintained water quality. The plant's discharge must meet stringent limits to protect aquatic life and recreational uses downstream.