Overview
SALEM wastewater treatment plant serves 716 people in Salem, Kentucky, with secondary treatment. It discharges 302.83 thousand cubic meters annually and has a designed capacity of 1135.62.
The SALEM wastewater treatment plant is located in Salem, Kentucky, a small community in Livingston County. It serves a population of 716, classifying it as a small-scale municipal facility under U.S. regulatory frameworks. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard minimum for municipal wastewater under the U.S. Clean Water Act. It has a designed capacity of 1135.62 thousand cubic meters and an annual discharge volume of 302.83 thousand cubic meters, indicating operational capacity utilization. The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that drain into the Ohio River basin, ultimately reaching the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The plant plays a role in protecting downstream water quality in this ecologically important river system.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into tributaries of the Ohio River, which flows into the Mississippi River and then the Gulf of Mexico. The Ohio River supports diverse aquatic life and is a critical migratory corridor for fish. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, contributing to the health of this major river system.
Frequently asked questions
The SALEM wastewater treatment plant is located at 1973 US 60, Salem, Kentucky, in Livingston County.
The plant serves a population of 716 people in the Salem community.
The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard required by the U.S. Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which mandates secondary treatment for municipal facilities. It is likely permitted through the Kentucky Division of Water under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
For small communities, secondary treatment is typical, often using lagoon systems or package plants. The Clean Water Act requires secondary treatment for all municipal plants, with NPDES permits setting specific effluent limits.
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