Overview
OCALA WRF 2 is a municipal wastewater treatment plant serving 47,500 people in Ocala, Florida. It operates under the US Clean Water Act framework, discharging treated effluent into local waterways.
OCALA WRF 2 is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located at 2498 Southeast 42nd Avenue in Ocala, Marion County, Florida. It serves a population of approximately 47,500 residents, placing it in the medium-agglomeration category for US wastewater infrastructure. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for all discharges. For facilities serving populations of this scale, secondary treatment is typically mandated, with additional nutrient removal standards applicable in Florida's sensitive watersheds. The treated effluent from Ocala WRF 2 ultimately drains into the Ocklawaha River basin, a tributary of the St. Johns River, which flows northward to the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville. This waterway supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor in north-central Florida.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge enters the Ocklawaha River system, part of the St. Johns River watershed. This basin is ecologically significant, supporting species such as the American alligator and various wading birds. The St. Johns River is a major blackwater river that flows through multiple ecosystems before reaching the Atlantic Ocean, making nutrient management critical to prevent algal blooms and maintain water quality.
Frequently asked questions
OCALA WRF 2 is located at 2498 Southeast 42nd Avenue in Ocala, Marion County, Florida, United States.
OCALA WRF 2 serves approximately 47,500 residents in the Ocala area.
The treated effluent from OCALA WRF 2 discharges into the Ocklawaha River, a tributary of the St. Johns River, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean.
OCALA WRF 2 operates under the US Clean Water Act and is required to have an NPDES permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Facilities of this scale typically require secondary treatment and may have additional nutrient limits.
For a plant serving 47,500 people in Florida, secondary treatment is standard under the Clean Water Act. Many Florida plants also employ advanced treatment to meet stringent nutrient removal standards aimed at protecting sensitive water bodies.
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