LAND O LAKES SD 1 STP - Secondary Wastewater Treatment in Town of Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin

LAND O LAKES SD 1 STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in the Town of Land O' Lakes, Vilas County, Wisconsin. The plant serves a population of approximately 1,037 residents and operates as part of the region's water infrastructure in the northern lake district of the state. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required under the US Clean Water Act for most municipal facilities. With a designed capacity of 321.76 thousand cubic meters and an actual discharge volume of 227.13 thousand cubic meters, the plant operates below its capacity. As a US facility, it is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality. The treated effluent is discharged into local surface waters that drain into the Lake Michigan basin via the Menominee River system. The surrounding area is characterized by numerous lakes and wetlands, making the plant's performance important for maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive region. The plant's inland location and small population served reduce its overall environmental risk.

The plant discharges into local streams that flow into the Menominee River, which ultimately drains into Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The region is part of the Great Lakes basin, a globally significant freshwater ecosystem that supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for millions. The area's many lakes and wetlands are sensitive to nutrient pollution, making effective wastewater treatment critical for preserving water quality and recreational uses.