DETOUR STP Wastewater Treatment Plant, Detour Township, Michigan

DETOUR STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Detour Township, Chippewa County, Michigan, United States. The facility serves a small population of 883 residents and operates with secondary treatment, which is the standard for communities of this size under the U.S. Clean Water Act. The plant has a designed capacity of 340.69 cubic meters per day and a reported discharge volume of 189.27 cubic meters per day. As a secondary treatment facility, it uses biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting EPA effluent guidelines for small publicly owned treatment works. The treated wastewater is discharged into the St. Marys River system, which flows into Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means its discharge can affect local water quality and the sensitive Great Lakes ecosystem, which supports diverse aquatic life and recreational activities.

The plant discharges into the St. Marys River, which connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron. This river is a critical migratory corridor for fish species such as lake sturgeon and walleye. The discharge enters the Lake Huron watershed, a large freshwater system that provides drinking water and supports tourism. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient loading, but its coastal location requires careful management to prevent algal blooms and protect aquatic habitats.