Overview
Paynesville WWTP serves Paynesville Township, Minnesota, treating wastewater for approximately 2,616 residents. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act's NPDES permit program.
Paynesville WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Paynesville Township, Stearns County, Minnesota. The plant serves a population of approximately 2,616 residents, classifying it as a small community system within the state's wastewater infrastructure. As a US-based facility, the plant operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program established by the Clean Water Act. For small agglomerations like this, secondary treatment is typically required to meet effluent limits for biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids. The plant's treated effluent is discharged to a local water body, ultimately contributing to the Mississippi River basin. The surrounding area features agricultural land and small watercourses, making proper nutrient removal important for downstream water quality in the Upper Mississippi River region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into a local water body within the Mississippi River basin. The receiving waters eventually flow to the Mississippi River, which supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for millions downstream. Nutrient loading from wastewater can impact algal growth and oxygen levels in these waters.
Frequently asked questions
Paynesville WWTP is located at 18394 County Highway 33, Paynesville Township, Stearns County, Minnesota, United States.
The plant serves approximately 2,616 residents, making it a small community wastewater system.
The plant discharges treated effluent to a local water body, which ultimately drains into the Mississippi River basin.
As a US facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Small municipal plants in Minnesota typically employ secondary treatment processes such as activated sludge or lagoon systems to meet state and federal effluent standards.
Nearby plants