Dubuque WWTP - South Switch Junction, Iowa Wastewater Treatment Plant

Dubuque WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located on Mines of Spain Road in South Switch Junction, Dubuque County, Iowa. It serves a population of about 58,234, placing it in the medium-sized agglomeration category for U.S. plants. Under the U.S. Clean Water Act, the plant is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, which sets effluent limits based on technology-based standards. For plants of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required to reduce biochemical oxygen demand and suspended solids. The plant's treated effluent likely discharges to the Mississippi River, which flows south to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River supports diverse aquatic life and is a critical migratory corridor for birds and fish. The plant's operations help protect water quality in this major river system.

The plant's receiving water body is likely the Mississippi River, which drains into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River basin is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic species and serving as a major migratory route. The plant's discharge contributes to the river's flow and must meet state and federal water quality standards to protect downstream ecosystems.