ELIZABETH STP - Secondary Wastewater Treatment Plant in Elizabeth, Louisiana

ELIZABETH STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Elizabeth, Allen Parish, Louisiana. The facility serves a small population of 682 residents, reflecting its role in a rural community. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Clean Water Act. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the U.S. EPA for municipal wastewater facilities. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. The plant's designed capacity is 378.54 units, with a current discharge volume of 75.71 units, indicating it operates well below its capacity. As a U.S. facility, it is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, which set effluent limits to protect water quality. The treated effluent from ELIZABETH STP is discharged into local waterways that ultimately drain into the Gulf of Mexico via the Calcasieu River or nearby basins. The surrounding area features wetlands and forested landscapes that support diverse aquatic life. The plant's operations help maintain the ecological health of these downstream environments by reducing pollutant loads.

The treated effluent from ELIZABETH STP flows into local streams and rivers within the Calcasieu River basin, eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico. This watershed supports a variety of aquatic species and provides important habitat for migratory birds. The plant's secondary treatment helps protect downstream water quality in this ecologically sensitive region.