Overview
Pineville STP and CSO serves approximately 6,000 residents in Pineville, Kentucky. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which governs wastewater treatment and discharge standards.
Pineville STP and CSO is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Pineville, Kentucky, serving a population of about 6,000. The plant is situated in the Appalachian region of southeastern Kentucky, an area characterized by mountainous terrain and numerous small streams. As a U.S. facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act, administered by the Kentucky Division of Water. Plants of this scale typically provide secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to reduce organic pollutants. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program regulates discharges to surface waters, ensuring compliance with water quality standards. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Cumberland River system. The Cumberland River flows through Kentucky and Tennessee before emptying into the Ohio River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River. This downstream connectivity highlights the importance of effective treatment to protect aquatic ecosystems and downstream water quality.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent enters the Cumberland River basin, which supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for downstream communities. The Cumberland River flows through the Appalachian region, an area with significant biodiversity. Protecting water quality in this watershed is critical for maintaining healthy fish populations and recreational uses such as fishing and boating.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 297 Jones Avenue, Pineville, Bell County, Kentucky, United States.
The plant serves approximately 6,000 residents in the Pineville area.
The plant discharges into the Cumberland River basin, which flows through Kentucky and Tennessee before joining the Ohio River.
Under the Clean Water Act, the plant must obtain an NPDES permit that sets limits on pollutant discharges. The Kentucky Division of Water enforces these permits to protect water quality.
Plants of this size typically provide secondary treatment, which uses biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting EPA standards.
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