MSD Muddy Creek Drainage Basin Wastewater Treatment Plant, Cincinnati, Ohio

MSD Muddy Creek Drainage Basin is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Cincinnati, Ohio, within Hamilton County. It serves a population of around 21,148 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under US regulatory standards. The plant is part of the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati's infrastructure. As a US facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. For a plant serving this population, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient controls if discharging to sensitive waters. The plant's treated effluent ultimately reaches the Ohio River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River system. The Ohio River supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for millions downstream. The plant plays a key role in protecting this vital waterway from untreated sewage and industrial pollutants.

The plant discharges into the Ohio River basin, which flows into the Mississippi River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. The Ohio River is a critical ecological corridor, supporting fish species such as bass and catfish, and providing habitat for migratory birds. Nutrient loading from wastewater can contribute to algal blooms in the Gulf, making effective treatment important for downstream water quality.