Radford Collection System Wastewater Treatment Plant, Radford, Virginia

Radford Collection System is a projected wastewater treatment facility located in Radford, Virginia, serving a small population of 180 residents. The plant is situated in the New River Valley region of southwestern Virginia, an area characterized by rolling hills and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment process required under the U.S. Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater. As a projected facility, it is in the planning or construction phase. The treated effluent from Radford Collection System ultimately drains into the New River, a major tributary of the Kanawha River, which flows into the Ohio River and then the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. The New River supports diverse aquatic life and is a popular destination for recreation, making proper wastewater treatment essential for protecting water quality.

The plant's discharge enters the New River, which flows through Virginia and West Virginia before joining the Kanawha River. The New River is an ecologically significant waterway that supports a variety of fish species and provides habitat for freshwater mussels. Downstream, the Kanawha River flows into the Ohio River, which ultimately reaches the Gulf of Mexico. Protecting the New River's water quality is important for maintaining its ecological health and recreational value.