VCUD Southwest Regional STP - DeBary, Florida Wastewater Treatment Plant

VCUD Southwest Regional STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in DeBary, Volusia County, Florida. It serves a population of approximately 9,230 residents in the southwest part of the county. The plant is part of the regional wastewater infrastructure managed by the Volusia County Utility Department. As a U.S. facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. For a plant serving around 9,000 people, secondary treatment is typically required, with possible additional nutrient removal to protect sensitive downstream waters. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the St. Johns River watershed, which flows north through Florida to the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville. The St. Johns River is a critical ecological resource, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for millions. The plant's discharge must meet strict limits to protect water quality in this important river system.

The plant discharges into the St. Johns River basin, a major river system that flows north through central Florida to the Atlantic Ocean. The St. Johns River is a blackwater river with slow flow, making it sensitive to nutrient pollution. Downstream, the river supports extensive wetlands, fish habitats, and the estuarine environment near Jacksonville. Protecting this watershed is vital for regional water quality and ecological health.