KLEMME STL Wastewater Treatment Plant, Klemme, Iowa

KLEMME STL is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Klemme, Hancock County, Iowa. The plant serves a small population of 509 residents, reflecting the rural character of the area. It operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal discharges. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard biological process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 302.83 cubic meters per day and an average discharge volume of 189.27 cubic meters per day, the facility operates below its capacity. As a US plant, it is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with water quality standards. The treated effluent is discharged into local streams that drain into the Iowa River watershed, ultimately reaching the Mississippi River. This waterway supports diverse aquatic life and provides recreational opportunities. The plant's operation helps protect downstream water quality in this agriculturally intensive region.

The plant's discharge enters small tributaries of the Iowa River, which flows into the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River is a major ecological corridor supporting fish, migratory birds, and diverse habitats. The region's agricultural land use can contribute nutrient runoff, making the plant's secondary treatment important for reducing organic loads and protecting downstream aquatic ecosystems.