FT MADISON WESTERLY STL Wastewater Treatment Plant, Lee County, Iowa

FT MADISON WESTERLY STL is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Lee County, Iowa, United States. The plant serves a small population of around 450 residents, providing essential sanitation services to the local community. As part of the state's wastewater infrastructure, it plays a key role in protecting public health and the environment. The plant operates with secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the US Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater facilities. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. The plant has a designed capacity of 946.35 cubic meters per day and currently processes an average daily flow of 170.34 cubic meters, indicating ample capacity for future growth. The treated effluent is discharged into nearby waterways that drain into the Mississippi River basin, a major ecological and economic resource. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in the region, supporting aquatic life and downstream uses such as recreation and drinking water supply. Compliance with EPA and Iowa Department of Natural Resources regulations ensures the facility minimizes its environmental footprint.

The plant discharges into local streams that flow into the Mississippi River, one of the largest river systems in North America. The Mississippi River supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and provides habitat for numerous fish and bird species. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, protecting downstream water quality in the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.