Overview
Plainfield WWTP and Collection System serves approximately 39,581 residents in Plainfield, Illinois. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, ensuring treated wastewater meets federal standards before discharge.
Plainfield WWTP and Collection System is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Plainfield, Illinois, serving a population of around 39,581. The plant is part of the region's infrastructure managed by local authorities, handling wastewater from residential and commercial sources in this growing suburban community. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal facilities of this scale. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program governs discharge limits to protect water quality, with permits issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The plant discharges treated effluent into local waterways that ultimately drain into the Mississippi River basin. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for downstream communities. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and maintain ecological health in the region's rivers and streams.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent flows into tributaries of the Illinois River, which joins the Mississippi River and eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico. This watershed is ecologically significant, supporting fish populations and migratory birds. Nutrient loading from wastewater can contribute to hypoxia in the Gulf, making effective treatment critical for downstream environmental health.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 14539 Depot Drive in Plainfield, Illinois, within Will County. It serves the Plainfield area.
The plant serves approximately 39,581 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment facility.
Treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that drain into the Illinois River, part of the Mississippi River basin.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with discharge permits issued through the NPDES program by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
US plants of this scale typically provide secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting EPA standards.
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