MSD Derek R. Guthrie WWTP, Louisville

Overview

MSD Derek R. Guthrie WWTP serves approximately 105,800 people in Louisville, Kentucky. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Ohio River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River.

MSD Derek R. Guthrie WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Louisville, Kentucky, serving an estimated population of 105,800. The plant is part of the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District's infrastructure, managing wastewater from residential and commercial sources in the area. As a large agglomeration under the U. S. Clean Water Act, the plant is expected to provide at least secondary treatment to meet National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. The facility's treatment processes are designed to reduce organic pollutants and suspended solids before discharge. The treated effluent is released into the Ohio River, which flows southwest to join the Mississippi River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in the Ohio River basin, supporting aquatic life and downstream communities.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Ohio River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River system that drains into the Gulf of Mexico. The Ohio River supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and serves as a critical water resource for millions. The plant's operations help maintain water quality standards in this ecologically significant river, which is subject to nutrient and pollutant loading from urban and agricultural runoff.

Frequently asked questions

The plant is located at 11524 Lower River Road in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, United States.

The plant serves approximately 105,800 people in the Louisville metropolitan area.

The treated wastewater is discharged into the Ohio River, which flows into the Mississippi River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico.

Under the U. S. Clean Water Act, the plant must obtain an NPDES permit that sets limits on pollutants to protect water quality in the Ohio River.

Plants of this size in the U. S. typically provide at least secondary treatment, which removes about 85% of organic matter and suspended solids, as required by the Clean Water Act.