Hamilton WRF and Sewer System, Hamilton

Overview

Hamilton WRF and Sewer System serves approximately 61,171 people in Hamilton, Ohio. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Great Miami River watershed, which flows to the Ohio River and ultimately the Mississippi River.

The Hamilton WRF and Sewer System is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Hamilton, Ohio, serving a population of about 61,171. Situated in Butler County, the plant is part of the region's infrastructure for managing wastewater from residential and commercial sources. As a medium-sized agglomeration, the plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for all discharges to surface waters. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Great Miami River, a major tributary of the Ohio River. The Great Miami River flows southwest through southwestern Ohio, joining the Ohio River near the Indiana border. The Ohio River then flows into the Mississippi River, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for downstream communities. The plant's location inland, over 50 km from the coast, reduces direct marine impact, but its discharge contributes to the overall nutrient and pollutant load in the Mississippi River basin, which has implications for the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone.

Environmental context

The Hamilton WRF and Sewer System discharges into the Great Miami River, which flows into the Ohio River and then the Mississippi River before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. This watershed is ecologically significant, supporting diverse fish and macroinvertebrate communities. The plant's effluent contributes to the nutrient load in the Mississippi River basin, which is a key factor in the seasonal hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. The Great Miami River also provides habitat for species such as the eastern hellbender and various freshwater mussels, making water quality management critical for local biodiversity.

Frequently asked questions

The Hamilton WRF and Sewer System is located at 1 Fairview Avenue in Hamilton, Ohio, within Butler County. It serves the city of Hamilton and surrounding areas.

The plant serves approximately 61,171 people, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment facility.

The plant discharges treated effluent into the Great Miami River, which flows into the Ohio River and then the Mississippi River, ultimately reaching the Gulf of Mexico.

As a municipal wastewater treatment plant in the United States, the Hamilton WRF operates under the Clean Water Act, which requires a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. This permit sets limits on pollutants in the discharge to protect water quality in the Great Miami River.

For a medium-sized agglomeration like Hamilton, secondary treatment is typically required under the Clean Water Act. This involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, often followed by disinfection. Some plants may also incorporate nutrient removal to address downstream water quality concerns.