Overview
GAYS MILLS STP is a secondary wastewater treatment plant serving 929 residents in Gays Mills, Wisconsin. It discharges treated effluent into local waterways under US EPA and Wisconsin DNR regulations.
GAYS MILLS STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) serves the village of Gays Mills in Crawford County, Wisconsin, United States. The facility provides secondary treatment for a population of approximately 929, reflecting its role as a small municipal wastewater system in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin. The plant operates with a designed capacity of 329.33 volume units and treats an average daily flow of 329.33 units, indicating full utilization of its infrastructure. As a secondary treatment facility, it meets the minimum federal standards under the US Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal wastewater discharges. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) oversees permitting and compliance under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The treated effluent is discharged to a nearby water body that ultimately drains into the Mississippi River via the Kickapoo River, a tributary of the Wisconsin River. The plant's location in the Kickapoo River watershed places it in a region known for its karst topography and sensitive groundwater resources, making proper wastewater management critical for protecting local streams and the broader Mississippi River ecosystem.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into a tributary of the Kickapoo River, which flows into the Wisconsin River and then the Mississippi River. The Kickapoo River watershed is characterized by steep valleys and karst geology, making surface waters vulnerable to contamination. The Mississippi River downstream supports diverse aquatic life and is a major migratory corridor for birds and fish. Protecting water quality in this region is essential for maintaining the ecological health of the Upper Mississippi River basin.
Frequently asked questions
GAYS MILLS STP is located at 299 Gay Street, Gays Mills, Crawford County, Wisconsin, United States.
The plant serves approximately 929 residents of Gays Mills and surrounding areas.
The plant discharges treated effluent into a local tributary that flows into the Kickapoo River, part of the Mississippi River watershed.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Secondary treatment is the minimum standard for municipal plants.
Small municipal plants in the US typically use secondary treatment, often with activated sludge or lagoon systems, and must comply with NPDES permit limits for BOD, TSS, and other pollutants.
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