Rockbridge Village of Wastewater Treatment Plant, Rockbridge, Illinois

The Rockbridge Village of wastewater treatment plant is located in Rockbridge, Greene County, Illinois, along Illinois Route 267. It serves a small population of 169 residents, providing essential sanitation services for this rural community. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Clean Water Act, which governs wastewater discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The facility provides secondary treatment, a standard level that removes biodegradable organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 113.56 cubic meters per day and an average discharge volume of 75.71 cubic meters per day, the plant operates well within its capacity. This ensures reliable treatment for the community while maintaining compliance with environmental standards. The treated wastewater is discharged into a local receiving water body, which ultimately drains into the Mississippi River basin. The Mississippi River system supports diverse aquatic life and provides critical habitat for fish and migratory birds. By treating wastewater to secondary standards, the plant helps protect downstream water quality and the ecological integrity of the region's waterways.

The plant discharges into a local stream that flows into the Illinois River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River basin is one of the largest watersheds in North America, supporting a wide range of aquatic species and providing important migratory corridors for birds. Secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient loads and organic pollution, mitigating the risk of eutrophication and maintaining the health of downstream ecosystems.