COWDEN STP - Cowden, Illinois Wastewater Treatment Plant

COWDEN STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Cowden, Illinois, United States. The facility serves a small population of 474 residents, reflecting the rural character of the area. It operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal plants. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard biological process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. Its designed capacity is 264.98 volume units, and the current discharge volume matches this figure, indicating full utilization. As a small facility, it is subject to EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, ensuring compliance with water quality standards. The treated effluent is discharged into a local water body, likely a stream or river within the Kaskaskia River basin, which ultimately flows to the Mississippi River. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is important for regional water resources. The plant's operations help protect downstream ecosystems from nutrient pollution and pathogens.

The plant discharges into a local watercourse within the Kaskaskia River watershed, which drains into the Mississippi River. This river system supports a variety of fish and wildlife, including migratory species. The secondary treatment process reduces organic pollutants, safeguarding water quality in the downstream environment.