Overview
Waterville STP serves approximately 1,875 residents in Waterville, Minnesota. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, with state-issued NPDES permits regulating its discharge.
Waterville STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Waterville, Le Sueur County, Minnesota. The plant serves a small community of about 1,875 people, reflecting the rural character of the area. It is situated near the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, a recreational corridor that follows the former railroad route. As a small-scale facility in the United States, Waterville STP is subject to the Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) typically issues permits for such plants, setting effluent limits based on the receiving water body's assimilative capacity. The plant's discharge likely enters a local watercourse within the Cannon River watershed, which flows into the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River is a major ecological corridor supporting diverse aquatic life and migratory birds. The plant's operations contribute to protecting downstream water quality in this nationally significant river system.
Environmental context
Waterville STP discharges into a tributary of the Cannon River, which flows into the Mississippi River near Red Wing, Minnesota. The Mississippi River is a vital ecological corridor, supporting diverse fish species, migratory waterfowl, and aquatic plants. The plant's effluent must meet state and federal standards to protect this downstream environment, which includes sensitive habitats and recreational areas.
Frequently asked questions
Waterville STP is located in Waterville, Le Sueur County, Minnesota, United States, near the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail.
Waterville STP serves approximately 1,875 residents, reflecting a small community in rural Minnesota.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into a local watercourse within the Cannon River watershed, which ultimately flows into the Mississippi River.
Waterville STP operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act and is regulated through an NPDES permit issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality.
For small communities in the U.S., secondary treatment is standard under the Clean Water Act. This typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids before discharge.
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