IRCUD_West WWTF, Indian River County

Overview

IRCUD_West WWTF serves Indian River County, Florida, treating wastewater for approximately 10,686 residents. The plant operates under U.S. EPA and Florida DEP regulations, discharging into local waterways.

IRCUD_West WWTF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Indian River County, Florida, serving a population of about 10,686. The plant is part of the county's wastewater infrastructure, handling domestic sewage from the surrounding community. As a U.S. facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act, with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. For a population of this size, secondary treatment is typically required, with possible additional nutrient removal to protect sensitive downstream ecosystems. The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that drain into the Indian River Lagoon, an ecologically significant estuary along Florida's Atlantic coast. The lagoon supports diverse marine life and is a critical habitat for fish, birds, and seagrasses.

Environmental context

The plant's discharge ultimately reaches the Indian River Lagoon, a biodiverse estuary on Florida's Atlantic coast. This lagoon is a vital nursery for fish and shellfish and supports migratory birds. The watershed is sensitive to nutrient pollution, which can cause algal blooms and seagrass loss, making effective treatment essential for ecosystem health.

Frequently asked questions

IRCUD_West WWTF is located at 8490 8th Street in Indian River County, Florida, United States.

The plant serves approximately 10,686 residents in the Indian River County area.

The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that flow into the Indian River Lagoon, a coastal estuary on Florida's Atlantic coast.

The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, requiring secondary treatment and nutrient controls.

Plants of this size in Florida typically use secondary treatment with biological processes, often including nitrogen and phosphorus removal to protect sensitive estuaries like the Indian River Lagoon.