Overview
Oak Ridge STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant serving approximately 29,750 people in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. It operates under U.S. EPA and state regulations, discharging treated effluent into the Tennessee River watershed.
Oak Ridge STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Oak Ridge, Anderson County, Tennessee. The plant serves a population of about 29,750 residents, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under U.S. regulatory frameworks. Its location in East Tennessee places it within the Tennessee River basin, a major tributary of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. As a U.S. facility, Oak Ridge STP operates under the Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for all discharges. For plants serving populations of this scale, secondary treatment is typically mandated, with additional nutrient removal requirements in sensitive watersheds. The plant's treatment processes and capacity are designed to meet these federal and state standards, ensuring compliance with water quality goals. The treated effluent from Oak Ridge STP is discharged into the Tennessee River system, which flows westward to the Ohio River and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico. The Tennessee River supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water, recreation, and industrial uses for communities along its course. The plant's operations are critical for protecting water quality in this ecologically and economically important watershed.
Environmental context
Oak Ridge STP discharges into the Tennessee River basin, which drains into the Ohio River and then the Mississippi River before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. The Tennessee River supports a variety of fish species and provides habitat for freshwater mussels. The watershed is also used for hydropower, navigation, and recreation, making effective wastewater treatment essential for maintaining water quality and ecosystem health.
Frequently asked questions
Oak Ridge STP is located on Monterey Road in Oak Ridge, Anderson County, Tennessee, United States.
Oak Ridge STP serves approximately 29,750 people in the Oak Ridge area.
The treated effluent from Oak Ridge STP is discharged into the Tennessee River system, which flows into the Ohio River and ultimately the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.
As a U.S. facility, Oak Ridge STP operates under the Clean Water Act and must comply with an NPDES permit issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation or the EPA. These permits set limits on pollutants to protect water quality.
For plants serving around 30,000 people, secondary treatment is standard under the Clean Water Act. This typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. Some plants may also include nutrient removal if discharging to sensitive waters.
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