Overview
Kenosha WWTP serves over 124,000 people in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Lake Michigan basin, supporting the local watershed and downstream ecosystems.
Kenosha WWTP is a major municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. It serves a population of approximately 124,215, classifying it as a large agglomeration under U. S. regulatory frameworks. As a U. S. facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. For a plant of this scale, secondary treatment is the minimum standard, with potential for advanced treatment to protect sensitive receiving waters. The plant's treated effluent discharges into the Lake Michigan basin, a critical freshwater resource that supports drinking water, recreation, and diverse aquatic life. Lake Michigan is part of the Great Lakes system, which holds about 20% of the world's surface freshwater and is ecologically significant for fish spawning and migratory birds.
Environmental context
Kenosha WWTP discharges into the Lake Michigan basin, which ultimately drains into the St. Lawrence River and the Atlantic Ocean via the Great Lakes Waterway. The local watershed includes the Pike River and other small tributaries that flow into the lake. Lake Michigan supports a diverse ecosystem, including native fish species such as lake trout and whitefish, and serves as a critical stopover for migratory waterfowl. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast underscores the importance of effective treatment to prevent nutrient loading and algal blooms in the lake.
Frequently asked questions
Kenosha WWTP is located at 79th Street in Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States, near the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan.
The plant serves approximately 124,215 people, classifying it as a large municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Lake Michigan basin, which is part of the Great Lakes system. The discharge is regulated under the Clean Water Act to protect water quality.
As a U. S. facility, Kenosha WWTP operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to NPDES permits issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. These permits set limits on pollutants to protect receiving waters.
For a plant of this scale, secondary treatment is the minimum standard, often including biological processes like activated sludge. Many large plants also incorporate advanced treatment for nutrient removal, especially when discharging to sensitive waters like the Great Lakes.
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