FOXWORTH POTW - Secondary Wastewater Treatment in Sumbax, Mississippi

FOXWORTH POTW is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Sumbax, Marion County, Mississippi. It serves a small population of 380 residents, reflecting the rural character of the area. The plant is situated near MS 586 and operates as part of the local wastewater infrastructure. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard biological process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 151.42 units and a current discharge volume of 90.85 units, the facility operates below its maximum capacity. Under the U.S. Clean Water Act, such plants are regulated through National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, ensuring compliance with effluent limits. The treated effluent is discharged into a local waterway that ultimately drains into the Pearl River basin, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The plant's operations help protect downstream aquatic ecosystems, including the Pearl River's diverse fish and wildlife habitats. Its inland location reduces direct coastal impact, but proper treatment remains vital for regional water quality.

The plant discharges into a tributary of the Pearl River, which flows south through Mississippi and Louisiana before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The Pearl River supports a variety of aquatic species, including catfish, bass, and migratory birds. The surrounding watershed includes forested wetlands and agricultural areas, making nutrient management important to prevent algal blooms downstream.