Marshall Co SD 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant, Aurora, Kentucky

Marshall Co SD 1 is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located on Park Road in Aurora, Marshall County, Kentucky, United States. It serves a small community of approximately 500 people, reflecting the rural character of the area. The plant is situated near the shores of Kentucky Lake, a large reservoir formed by the Tennessee River. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the U.S. Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater facilities. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. The plant has a designed capacity of 567.81 cubic meters per day and currently discharges an average of 151.42 cubic meters per day, indicating it operates well below its capacity. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which drains into Kentucky Lake. Kentucky Lake is part of the Tennessee River system and ultimately flows into the Ohio River and then the Mississippi River. The lake supports diverse aquatic life and is an important recreational and ecological resource in the region. The plant's proximity to the lake necessitates careful management to protect water quality.

The plant discharges into the Kentucky Lake watershed, a major reservoir on the Tennessee River. The Tennessee River flows into the Ohio River, which joins the Mississippi River and drains into the Gulf of Mexico. Kentucky Lake supports diverse aquatic ecosystems, including fish and migratory birds, and is a popular site for fishing and boating. The plant's coastal location within 10 km of the lake underscores the importance of effective treatment to prevent nutrient pollution and protect downstream water quality.