Overview
Iron River SD 1 STP is an advanced wastewater treatment plant serving 525 people in the Town of Iron River, Wisconsin. It discharges treated effluent into local waterways within the Lake Superior basin.
Iron River SD 1 STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in the Town of Iron River, Bayfield County, Wisconsin. The plant serves a small population of 525 residents, providing advanced treatment to protect local water quality. It operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, which requires NPDES permits for discharges to surface waters. The plant has a designed capacity of 405.04 volume units and currently discharges 208.20 volume units, indicating it operates below its maximum capacity. As an advanced treatment facility, it employs processes beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants, meeting stringent effluent standards. The treated wastewater is discharged to receiving waters that ultimately flow into Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. This watershed is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a critical freshwater resource. The plant's advanced treatment helps minimize nutrient loading and protects the downstream environment.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into local streams that drain into the Lake Superior basin, one of the world's largest freshwater ecosystems. Lake Superior supports a diverse range of fish species, including lake trout and whitefish, and is a vital resource for drinking water and recreation. The advanced treatment at Iron River SD 1 STP reduces phosphorus and nitrogen inputs, helping to prevent eutrophication and maintain water quality in this sensitive watershed.
Frequently asked questions
Iron River SD 1 STP is located on North Main Street in the Town of Iron River, Bayfield County, Wisconsin, United States.
The plant serves a population of 525 residents in the Town of Iron River and surrounding areas.
The plant discharges treated effluent into local streams that flow into the Lake Superior basin, following advanced treatment processes.
As a US facility, Iron River SD 1 STP operates under the Clean Water Act and must comply with an NPDES permit issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality.
Small plants in Wisconsin often provide secondary treatment, but Iron River SD 1 STP employs advanced treatment, exceeding minimum requirements to reduce nutrient pollution and protect sensitive Great Lakes waters.
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