Overview
LIHUE WWTF serves approximately 10,200 residents in Lihue, Hawaii. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean via the Nawiliwili coastal area.
LIHUE WWTF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Lihue, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. It serves a population of about 10,200 people, making it a medium-sized plant for the region. The plant is situated near the coast in the Nawiliwili area, close to the Hokuala resort and golf course. As a US facility, LIHUE WWTF operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Hawaii Department of Health. For a plant serving over 10,000 people, secondary treatment is typically required, and additional nutrient removal may be mandated to protect sensitive coastal waters. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Pacific Ocean, likely through an outfall near Nawiliwili Bay. This coastal discharge affects nearshore marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and fish habitats. The surrounding watershed drains from Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest places on Earth, through rivers like the Wailua River, which eventually reaches the ocean near the plant.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Pacific Ocean near Nawiliwili Bay on the southeastern coast of Kauai. This area supports diverse marine life, including coral reefs, sea turtles, and migratory humpback whales. The watershed includes the Wailua River, which carries sediment and nutrients from the island's interior. Proper treatment is critical to prevent nutrient pollution that could harm coral reefs and nearshore water quality.
Frequently asked questions
LIHUE WWTF is located in Lihue, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, near the Nawiliwili coastal area and the Hokuala resort.
The plant serves approximately 10,200 residents in the Lihue area of Kauai.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Pacific Ocean, likely via an outfall near Nawiliwili Bay, after undergoing secondary treatment and possibly nutrient removal.
As a US facility, LIHUE WWTF operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the Hawaii Department of Health, which sets limits on pollutants to protect coastal waters.
Plants of this scale in Hawaii typically provide secondary treatment, and may include advanced nutrient removal to protect sensitive coral reef ecosystems from eutrophication.
Nearby plants