Granite Falls STP, Granite Falls | United States Wastewater

Overview

Granite Falls STP serves approximately 2,862 residents in Granite Falls, Minnesota. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Minnesota River basin, supporting local water quality.

Granite Falls STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Granite Falls, Minnesota, serving a population of about 2,862. The plant is situated along the Minnesota River valley and plays a key role in managing wastewater for this small community in Chippewa County. As a U.S. facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, typically administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. For a plant of this size, secondary treatment is standard, ensuring compliance with federal effluent guidelines. The treated effluent is discharged into the Minnesota River, which flows into the Mississippi River and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico. The plant's operations help protect downstream aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the overall health of the Mississippi River watershed.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Minnesota River, a tributary of the Mississippi River, which drains into the Gulf of Mexico. The Minnesota River watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for birds. The plant's treatment helps reduce nutrient loading, which is critical for mitigating hypoxia in the Gulf.

Frequently asked questions

Granite Falls STP is located at 900 West Park Street, Granite Falls, Minnesota, in Chippewa County.

The plant serves approximately 2,862 residents of Granite Falls and the surrounding area.

The treated wastewater is discharged into the Minnesota River, which flows into the Mississippi River and eventually to the Gulf of Mexico.

As a U.S. facility, Granite Falls STP operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated through an NPDES permit issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

For a small municipal plant of this size, secondary treatment is standard, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting EPA effluent guidelines.