Jenera WWTP and Sewer System - Secondary Treatment Plant in Jenera, Ohio

Jenera WWTP and Sewer System is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Jenera, Hancock County, Ohio. Serving a small population of 235 residents, the plant provides secondary treatment to meet state and federal water quality standards. The facility is situated inland, far from coastal areas, and operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, which requires NPDES permits for discharges to surface waters. The plant's treatment process is secondary, which typically involves biological treatment to remove organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 83.28 thousand gallons per day and an average discharge volume of 75.71 thousand gallons per day, the facility operates at approximately 91% capacity. This indicates efficient utilization of its infrastructure to meet the community's wastewater needs. The treated effluent is discharged into a local waterway that drains into the Blanchard River, a tributary of the Auglaize River, which flows into the Maumee River and ultimately reaches Lake Erie. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the water quality of the Blanchard River watershed and the downstream Lake Erie ecosystem, which supports diverse aquatic life and recreational activities.

The plant discharges into a local tributary of the Blanchard River, which flows into the Auglaize River, then the Maumee River, and finally into Lake Erie. Lake Erie is a vital freshwater resource that supports a diverse ecosystem, including fish species such as walleye and perch, and provides drinking water for millions. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient loads, which is critical for preventing harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie.