Laona SD 1 STP - Advanced Wastewater Treatment in Town of Laona, Wisconsin

Laona SD 1 STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in the Town of Laona, Forest County, Wisconsin. The plant serves a population of about 1,200 residents, providing essential sanitation services for this rural community in the northern part of the state. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants. With a daily discharge volume of 401,250 gallons and a design capacity of 492,100 gallons, the facility operates well within its capacity. As a US plant, it operates under the Clean Water Act, with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with water quality standards. The treated effluent is discharged into a local water body, ultimately contributing to the watershed of the Peshtigo River or the Wolf River, both of which flow into Green Bay on Lake Michigan. This region is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing habitat for migratory fish species. The advanced treatment helps protect downstream water quality in this sensitive Great Lakes ecosystem.

The plant discharges into a local stream that is part of the Lake Michigan basin, likely within the Peshtigo River or Wolf River watershed. These rivers flow into Green Bay, a major freshwater estuary of Lake Michigan. The area supports diverse aquatic species, including lake sturgeon and walleye, and is an important migratory corridor for fish. Advanced treatment reduces nutrient loading, helping to prevent algal blooms and maintain water quality in the Great Lakes.