Overview
Joliet Westside STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant serving approximately 30,000 residents in Joliet, Illinois. It operates under the US Clean Water Act framework with NPDES permitting.
Joliet Westside STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Joliet, Illinois, serving a population of about 30,246. The plant is situated in Will County, part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area, and plays a key role in managing wastewater for the western side of Joliet. As a US-based plant serving a medium-sized agglomeration, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. For communities of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, and permits specify effluent limits to protect receiving waters. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Des Plaines River watershed, which flows into the Illinois River and ultimately the Mississippi River. This drainage system supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for downstream communities, making effective treatment essential for regional water quality.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent enters the Des Plaines River, a tributary of the Illinois River, which joins the Mississippi River. This river system supports a variety of fish and wildlife species and is an important migratory corridor for birds. The watershed is influenced by agricultural runoff and urban development, so nutrient removal and pathogen control are critical to prevent eutrophication and protect downstream ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
Joliet Westside STP is located on Channahon Road in Joliet, Illinois, within Will County. It serves the western side of the city.
The plant serves approximately 30,246 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Des Plaines River, which flows into the Illinois River and then the Mississippi River.
As a US facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated through an NPDES permit issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which sets effluent limits and monitoring requirements.
For medium-sized agglomerations in the US, secondary treatment is standard, involving biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. Many plants also incorporate nutrient removal to meet water quality standards.
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