Overview
Cumberland Gap WWTP serves approximately 3,356 residents in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. The facility operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, with oversight from state and federal environmental agencies.
Cumberland Gap WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located at 430 Roslyn Avenue in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Serving a population of about 3,356, the plant is part of the region's infrastructure for managing domestic wastewater in this small Appalachian community. As a U.S. facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for all discharges. For small agglomerations like this, secondary treatment is typically mandated to meet water quality standards. The plant's design and operation are subject to state-level regulations enforced by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that ultimately drain into the Tennessee River system, a major tributary of the Ohio River and Mississippi River. The plant plays a key role in protecting downstream aquatic ecosystems, including the Powell River and the Tennessee River, which support diverse fish and wildlife populations.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge enters the Powell River watershed, which flows into the Tennessee River and eventually the Mississippi River. This region is part of the Appalachian Mountain ecosystem, characterized by diverse aquatic habitats. The Powell River supports several sensitive species, including the endangered Cumberlandian mussel species. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and maintain water quality for downstream communities and ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
Cumberland Gap WWTP is located at 430 Roslyn Avenue in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, within Claiborne County in the eastern part of the state.
The plant serves approximately 3,356 residents in the Cumberland Gap area, classifying it as a small municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The treated effluent is discharged into local streams that flow into the Powell River, a tributary of the Tennessee River. The discharge is regulated under an NPDES permit to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
As a U.S. facility, Cumberland Gap WWTP operates under the Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. These permits set limits on pollutants to protect receiving waters.
For small communities in the U.S., secondary treatment is standard, involving biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. Some plants may also include disinfection or nutrient removal depending on local requirements.
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