Science Hill STPandCS Wastewater Treatment Plant, Science Hill, Kentucky

Science Hill STPandCS is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located at 330 Ebright Street in Science Hill, Pulaski County, Kentucky. The plant serves a small population of 784 residents, reflecting the rural character of the community. It operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal discharges. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard biological process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 567.81 cubic meters per day and a current discharge volume of 283.91 cubic meters per day, the facility operates at roughly half its capacity, indicating room for future growth. As a U.S. facility, it is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality. The treated wastewater from Science Hill STPandCS discharges into local streams that flow into the Cumberland River basin. The Cumberland River ultimately drains to the Ohio River and then the Mississippi River, making this plant part of a vast inland watershed. The plant's secondary treatment helps protect downstream aquatic habitats and recreational uses in the region.

The plant discharges into tributaries of the Cumberland River, which flows through Kentucky and Tennessee before joining the Ohio River. The Cumberland River basin supports diverse aquatic life, including several species of freshwater mussels and fish. Downstream waters are used for recreation and drinking water supply, making effective treatment essential for maintaining water quality in this inland watershed.