Overview
Vermilion WWTP and Sewer System serves approximately 11,400 people in Vermilion, Ohio. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Lake Erie watershed, supporting local water quality.
Vermilion WWTP and Sewer System is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Vermilion, Ohio, United States. It serves a population of about 11,400 residents in the Erie County area. The plant is situated near the southern shore of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. As a US facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating a moderate-scale operation. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Lake Erie basin, which is a critical freshwater resource supporting diverse aquatic life, recreational activities, and municipal water supplies. The Lake Erie watershed is ecologically sensitive, with concerns about nutrient pollution and algal blooms, making effective wastewater treatment essential for downstream environmental health.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Lake Erie watershed, which ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River. Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes and is particularly vulnerable to nutrient enrichment, which can lead to harmful algal blooms. The facility's location within 50 km of the coast underscores its role in protecting this important freshwater ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 5113 South Street, Vermilion, Erie County, Ohio, United States.
The plant serves approximately 11,400 residents in the Vermilion area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Lake Erie watershed, which is part of the Great Lakes system.
As a US facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
For a community of this size, secondary treatment is typically required under the Clean Water Act, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids.
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