Overview
WABASH WWTP serves approximately 12,191 people in Wabash, Indiana. The plant discharges into the Wabash River, a major tributary of the Ohio River system.
WABASH WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Wabash, Indiana, serving a population of about 12,191. The plant is situated near the Wabash River, which flows through the city and is a key water resource for the region. As a medium-sized agglomeration, the facility is subject to the U.S. Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements. Under the Clean Water Act, wastewater treatment plants of this scale are typically required to provide secondary treatment as a minimum standard. The NPDES permit system governs discharge limits to protect water quality in receiving streams. The plant's operation is regulated by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to ensure compliance with state and federal standards. The treated effluent from WABASH WWTP is discharged into the Wabash River, which flows southwest to join the Ohio River near the Indiana-Illinois border. The Ohio River then drains into the Mississippi River and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. The Wabash River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor in the region. The plant's discharge must meet water quality standards to protect downstream uses including recreation, aquatic habitat, and drinking water supplies.
Environmental context
The Wabash River is a major tributary of the Ohio River, flowing through Indiana and Illinois before joining the Ohio. This watershed supports a variety of fish and wildlife species, including several state-listed species of concern. The river is used for recreation, fishing, and as a water source for communities. Downstream, the Ohio River feeds into the Mississippi River, ultimately reaching the Gulf of Mexico. The plant's discharge must be managed to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect aquatic ecosystems in this interconnected river system.
Frequently asked questions
WABASH WWTP is located in Wabash, Indiana, United States, near the Wabash River in Wabash County.
The plant serves approximately 12,191 people in the Wabash area.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Wabash River, which flows into the Ohio River and eventually the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act and is subject to NPDES permits issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).
Plants of this size in the U.S. are typically required to provide secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids, as mandated by the Clean Water Act.
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