Overview
FRWRD South Main STP serves approximately 107,656 people in Elgin, Illinois, discharging treated wastewater into the Fox River watershed. The plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act framework.
FRWRD South Main STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Elgin, Illinois, along the Fox River Trail. Serving a population of around 107,656, it is a medium-to-large agglomeration within the Fox River basin. The plant is situated in Kane County, part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Under the U. S. Clean Water Act, plants of this scale are typically required to meet secondary treatment standards through National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. These permits set effluent limits for biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and other pollutants to protect water quality. The treated effluent is discharged into the Fox River, which flows southward to the Illinois River, then to the Mississippi River, and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico. The Fox River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important recreational and ecological resource in northeastern Illinois.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Fox River, a tributary of the Illinois River, which flows into the Mississippi River and reaches the Gulf of Mexico. The Fox River watershed supports diverse fish populations and migratory birds, and its water quality is critical for downstream ecosystems. The plant's discharge must comply with state and federal standards to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect aquatic habitats.
Frequently asked questions
FRWRD South Main STP is located in Elgin, Illinois, United States, along the Fox River Trail in Kane County.
The plant serves approximately 107,656 people, classifying it as a medium-to-large agglomeration.
The treated wastewater is discharged into the Fox River, which flows into the Illinois River and eventually the Mississippi River.
The plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act, requiring an NPDES permit issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Plants of this scale typically employ secondary treatment (biological treatment) to meet EPA standards for BOD and TSS removal.
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