Granite City Regional WWTP, Madison

Overview

Granite City Regional WWTP and COLL System serves approximately 109,607 people in Madison, Illinois. The plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits regulating its discharge to protect local waterways.

The Granite City Regional WWTP and COLL System is a major municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Madison, Illinois, serving a population of around 109,607. Situated near the Mississippi River, the plant plays a key role in managing wastewater for the Granite City area and surrounding communities. As a large-scale facility, the plant is expected to provide at least secondary treatment under the U. S. Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. These permits set effluent limits to protect water quality and ensure compliance with federal standards. The plant's capacity and treatment processes are designed to handle the demands of a significant urban population. The treated effluent is discharged into the Mississippi River, a major waterway that drains into the Gulf of Mexico. The plant's operations are critical for maintaining the ecological health of the river, which supports diverse aquatic life and serves as a vital resource for drinking water, recreation, and commerce in the region.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Mississippi River, which flows south to the Gulf of Mexico. The river supports a wide range of aquatic species and is an important migratory corridor for birds and fish. Downstream, the river contributes to the Gulf's hypoxic zone, making nutrient removal a key concern for wastewater plants in the basin.

Frequently asked questions

The plant is located on Eagle Point Trail in Madison, Illinois, near the Mississippi River in Madison County.

The plant serves approximately 109,607 people in the Granite City area and surrounding communities.

The plant discharges treated effluent into the Mississippi River, which flows south to the Gulf of Mexico.

The plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to ensure compliance with effluent limits.

Plants of this scale typically provide secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and solids. Many also incorporate nutrient removal to protect sensitive water bodies like the Mississippi River.