MKEAN MAFFITT WWTP | Wilmington, North Carolina Wastewater Treatment Plant

MKEAN MAFFITT WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina. Serving a population of approximately 113,600, the plant is a key component of the region's water infrastructure. It is situated near the Cape Fear River, which ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean. As a large agglomeration serving over 100,000 people, the plant is expected to meet secondary treatment standards under the US Clean Water Act. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program governs its discharge, ensuring compliance with water quality standards. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, reflecting its scale. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Cape Fear River basin, a major waterway in southeastern North Carolina. The river supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor. Downstream, the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean, making nutrient and pollutant control critical for coastal water quality.

The plant discharges into the Cape Fear River, which flows through southeastern North Carolina before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Fear. The river supports a variety of fish and wildlife, including migratory species. The watershed is ecologically sensitive due to its role in maintaining estuarine health and coastal water quality.