Tenaha WWTP - Secondary Wastewater Treatment in Tenaha, Texas

Tenaha WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Tenaha, Shelby County, Texas. The plant serves a small population of approximately 940 residents, reflecting its role in a rural community. It is situated inland, more than 10 kilometers from the coast, and operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Clean Water Act. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the US EPA for municipal wastewater facilities. With a designed capacity of 556.45 volume units and a current discharge volume of 416.40, the plant operates below its maximum capacity. As a small-scale facility, it is subject to state-level NPDES permits that govern effluent limits and monitoring requirements. The treated effluent from Tenaha WWTP is discharged into local streams that are part of the Sabine River basin. The Sabine River flows southeast through Texas and Louisiana, eventually emptying into Sabine Lake and the Gulf of Mexico. This watershed supports diverse aquatic habitats and is important for regional water quality and ecosystem health.

The plant discharges into tributaries of the Sabine River, which flows through pine forests and wetlands before reaching Sabine Lake and the Gulf of Mexico. The watershed supports fish, amphibians, and migratory birds, making proper treatment essential to prevent nutrient loading and protect downstream aquatic life.