Overview
KILLINGLY WPCF serves approximately 11,490 residents in Killingly, Connecticut. The plant discharges into the Quinebaug River, part of the Thames River basin that drains to Long Island Sound.
KILLINGLY WPCF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Killingly, Connecticut, serving a population of about 11,490. The plant is situated along the Quinebaug River Trail and operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for discharges into surface waters. As a medium-sized agglomeration, the plant is expected to provide secondary treatment as a minimum standard under federal regulations. Typical facilities of this scale employ biological treatment followed by disinfection to meet permit limits for biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and other pollutants. The treated effluent is discharged to the Quinebaug River, which flows into the Shetucket River, then the Thames River, and ultimately into Long Island Sound. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and provides recreational and ecological value. The plant's performance is critical to maintaining water quality in this downstream system.
Environmental context
The Quinebaug River, receiving the plant's discharge, is part of the Thames River basin that drains into Long Island Sound. This watershed supports a variety of fish species and provides habitat for migratory birds. The Sound itself is an ecologically productive estuary that supports commercial and recreational fisheries. Protecting water quality in this system is important for both ecological health and human use.
Frequently asked questions
KILLINGLY WPCF is located along the Quinebaug River Trail in Killingly, Connecticut, in the Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region.
The plant serves approximately 11,490 residents in the Killingly area.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Quinebaug River, which flows into the Shetucket River, then the Thames River, and ultimately into Long Island Sound.
As a U.S. facility, KILLINGLY WPCF operates under the Clean Water Act and is required to have an NPDES permit issued by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Plants of this size in Connecticut typically provide secondary treatment followed by disinfection, meeting federal standards for biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids.
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