Harbine WWTP - Secondary Treatment Facility in Harbine, Nebraska

Harbine WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Harbine, Jefferson County, Nebraska. It serves a small population of 66 residents, reflecting the rural character of the area. The plant is situated in the Great Plains region, where agriculture is the dominant land use. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the US Clean Water Act for municipal facilities. With a designed capacity of 15.14 million gallons per day, the plant's discharge volume matches its capacity, indicating full utilization. As a small facility, it is subject to EPA NPDES permitting, typically administered by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that eventually drain into the Missouri River basin. The plant plays a key role in protecting downstream water quality in a region where agricultural runoff can also impact surface waters. Its operation helps maintain the ecological health of local streams and the broader watershed.

The plant discharges into receiving waters that flow into the Missouri River basin, ultimately reaching the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The local watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is part of an important migratory corridor for birds. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient loads that could contribute to downstream eutrophication.