PAW PAW STP - Paw Paw Township, Michigan Wastewater Treatment Plant

PAW PAW STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Paw Paw Township, Van Buren County, Michigan, United States. The facility serves a population of approximately 7,229 residents, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under US regulatory standards. As a US-based plant, PAW PAW STP operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). For plants of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal standards applicable in sensitive watersheds. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that drain into the Great Lakes basin, specifically Lake Michigan. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for millions. The plant plays a key role in protecting downstream water quality and the ecological health of the region.

PAW PAW STP discharges into the Paw Paw River, a tributary of the St. Joseph River, which flows into Lake Michigan. This watershed is part of the Great Lakes Basin, an ecologically sensitive system supporting diverse fish populations and migratory birds. The plant's operations help maintain water quality standards critical for recreational use and aquatic habitat in the downstream environment.