Overview
Lake City STP serves approximately 20,000 residents in Lake City, Florida. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, with state-issued NPDES permits regulating its discharge.
Lake City STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Lake City, Columbia County, Florida. The plant serves a population of about 20,046 people, placing it in the medium-agglomeration category under U.S. regulatory frameworks. As a U.S. facility, Lake City STP operates under the Clean Water Act, with discharge permits issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. For plants serving this population size, secondary treatment is typically required, and permits set limits on biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and nutrients to protect receiving waters. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that ultimately drain into the Suwannee River basin. The Suwannee River flows to the Gulf of Mexico, supporting diverse aquatic life and important coastal habitats. Proper treatment helps protect downstream ecosystems, including springs and estuaries in the region.
Environmental context
Lake City STP discharges into tributaries of the Suwannee River, which flows through north Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. The Suwannee River basin supports a rich diversity of freshwater species and is known for its spring-fed systems. Downstream coastal areas include ecologically sensitive seagrass beds and estuarine habitats that benefit from nutrient management at upstream treatment plants.
Frequently asked questions
Lake City STP is located at 1699 Southeast Inglewood Avenue, Lake City, Columbia County, Florida, United States.
Lake City STP serves approximately 20,046 residents in the Lake City area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into local waterways that are part of the Suwannee River basin, which ultimately flows to the Gulf of Mexico.
Lake City STP operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
For plants of this scale, secondary treatment is standard, which includes biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. Many also incorporate nutrient removal to protect sensitive water bodies.
Nearby plants