Ellendale STP - Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ellendale, Minnesota

Ellendale STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located on School Street in Ellendale, Steele County, Minnesota. The plant serves a small population of 711 residents, reflecting the rural character of the community. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level for small communities in the United States. With a designed capacity of 378.54 cubic meters per day and a similar discharge volume, it operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for such discharges. The treated effluent is released into local streams that drain into the Cannon River watershed, ultimately reaching the Mississippi River. This contributes to the ecological health of the region's aquatic systems, supporting diverse freshwater habitats.

The plant discharges into local waterways that are part of the Cannon River watershed, which flows into the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River is a major ecological corridor supporting diverse aquatic life, including fish, invertebrates, and migratory birds. The secondary treatment ensures that pollutants are reduced to protect downstream water quality and aquatic ecosystems.