Overview
KEALAKEHE WWTP serves Kailua, Hawaii, treating wastewater for approximately 17,616 residents. The plant operates under U.S. EPA and state regulations, discharging treated effluent into the local watershed.
KEALAKEHE WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Kailua, on the Big Island of Hawaii. It serves a population of about 17,616, placing it in the medium-agglomeration category. The plant is situated inland, away from the immediate coastline, and its operations are integral to the region's wastewater management infrastructure. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal wastewater. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, administered by the Hawaii Department of Health, govern discharge limits to protect water quality. For a plant of this scale, compliance with secondary treatment standards is expected. The treated effluent from KEALAKEHE WWTP is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Pacific Ocean. The receiving waters support diverse marine life and coral reef ecosystems, making effective treatment crucial for environmental protection. The plant's inland location reduces direct coastal impact, but its discharge still influences nearshore water quality.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge enters the Kailua area watershed, which flows into the Pacific Ocean along the Kona coast of Hawaii. This coastal region features sensitive coral reef ecosystems and supports a variety of marine species. Proper wastewater treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and protect the ecological health of the nearshore environment.
Frequently asked questions
KEALAKEHE WWTP is located in Kailua, on the Big Island of Hawaii, United States. The facility serves the Kailua area and surrounding communities.
The plant serves approximately 17,616 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Pacific Ocean along the Kona coast.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Hawaii Department of Health.
Under the Clean Water Act, municipal plants of this scale are typically required to provide secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
Nearby plants