Overview
North Koochiching County SD serves approximately 6,510 people in Pelland, Minnesota. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, discharging treated wastewater into local waterways.
North Koochiching County SD is a wastewater treatment plant serving the community of Pelland in Koochiching County, Minnesota. The facility handles wastewater from a population of about 6,510 residents, typical of a small to medium-sized rural agglomeration in the northern United States. As a US facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, typically administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. For plants of this scale, secondary treatment is the standard requirement, ensuring removal of organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. The plant's treated effluent is released into local surface waters that drain into the Rainy River watershed, ultimately flowing into Lake of the Woods and then through the Nelson River system to Hudson Bay. This northern Minnesota region features extensive forests, wetlands, and lakes, making water quality protection critical for aquatic habitats and recreational uses.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into tributaries of the Rainy River, which forms the border between Minnesota and Ontario. The Rainy River flows into Lake of the Woods, a large freshwater lake that supports diverse fish populations and migratory waterfowl. The watershed is part of the Hudson Bay drainage basin, characterized by boreal forest and peatlands. Protecting water quality is essential for downstream ecosystems, including spawning grounds for walleye and northern pike.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Voyageur Highway in Pelland, Koochiching County, Minnesota, United States.
The plant serves approximately 6,510 people, classifying it as a small to medium-sized municipal wastewater facility.
The plant discharges treated effluent into local surface waters that are part of the Rainy River watershed, which flows into Lake of the Woods and eventually reaches Hudson Bay.
As a US facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), typically enforced by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Under the Clean Water Act, secondary treatment is the standard for municipal plants of this size, which involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
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