Overview
River Falls WWTP serves approximately 17,099 residents in River Falls, Wisconsin. The plant discharges treated wastewater into local waterways, supporting the St. Croix River basin ecosystem.
River Falls WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in River Falls, Wisconsin, serving a population of about 17,099. The plant is situated in Pierce County and plays a key role in managing wastewater for this growing community in the upper Midwest. As a facility serving a medium-sized agglomeration, River Falls WWTP is subject to the U.S. Clean Water Act and operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. These permits set effluent limits to protect water quality and typically require secondary treatment as a minimum standard for municipal plants of this scale. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into a local water body that drains into the St. Croix River, a National Scenic Riverway that flows south to join the Mississippi River. The St. Croix basin supports diverse aquatic life, including fish species such as walleye and smallmouth bass, and provides recreational opportunities for the region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into a tributary of the St. Croix River, which flows into the Mississippi River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. The St. Croix River is ecologically significant, supporting diverse fish and wildlife habitats, and is designated as a National Scenic Riverway. Protecting water quality in this basin is critical for downstream ecosystems and regional biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
River Falls WWTP is located on South Apollo Road in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin, United States.
The plant serves approximately 17,099 residents in the city of River Falls and surrounding areas.
The plant discharges treated effluent into a local water body that drains into the St. Croix River, a National Scenic Riverway that flows to the Mississippi River.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality.
Municipal wastewater plants of this size in the U.S. typically provide at least secondary treatment, which removes about 85% of organic matter and suspended solids, as required by the Clean Water Act.
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