Overview
RACINE STP serves approximately 137,701 people in Racine, Wisconsin. The plant is located within 50 km of Lake Michigan, a major freshwater resource.
RACINE STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility serving the city of Racine, Wisconsin, United States. With a population served of approximately 137,701, it is classified as a large agglomeration under U. S. regulatory frameworks. The plant is situated near the western shore of Lake Michigan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. As a large-scale facility, RACINE STP is expected to meet secondary treatment standards under the U. S. Clean Water Act, administered via National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in million gallons per day or similar units), indicating significant infrastructure for treating municipal wastewater. Typical plants of this size employ activated sludge or advanced biological treatment. The plant's treated effluent ultimately discharges into Lake Michigan, which is part of the Great Lakes Basin. This water body supports diverse aquatic life, including fish species such as lake trout and whitefish, and provides drinking water for millions. Protecting water quality in Lake Michigan is critical due to its ecological and economic importance.
Environmental context
RACINE STP discharges into Lake Michigan, which is part of the Great Lakes system. The lake supports a complex ecosystem with native fish populations and migratory birds. As a large freshwater body, Lake Michigan is sensitive to nutrient pollution, which can cause algal blooms. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast underscores the importance of effective treatment to protect this vital water resource.
Frequently asked questions
RACINE STP is located at 2101 Wisconsin Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin, United States, near the shore of Lake Michigan.
RACINE STP serves approximately 137,701 people in the Racine area, classifying it as a large municipal wastewater treatment facility.
Treated wastewater from RACINE STP is discharged into Lake Michigan, which is part of the Great Lakes Basin.
RACINE STP operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for wastewater discharges. Large plants like this must meet secondary treatment standards.
Plants serving around 137,000 people typically use secondary treatment processes such as activated sludge, often with nutrient removal to protect sensitive water bodies like Lake Michigan.
Nearby plants