Overview
West Frankfort STP serves approximately 8,870 residents in West Frankfort, Illinois. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which mandates secondary treatment for municipal wastewater facilities.
West Frankfort STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in West Frankfort, Franklin County, Illinois. The facility serves a population of about 8,870, placing it in the small-to-medium agglomeration category for U.S. wastewater systems. As a U.S. plant, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. For plants of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, which involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The plant's design and operational details are managed by local municipal authorities. The treated effluent is discharged into a local waterway that ultimately drains into the Mississippi River Basin. This basin supports diverse aquatic life and provides drinking water for millions. Proper treatment at plants like West Frankfort STP is essential to protect downstream water quality and ecosystem health.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into a tributary of the Big Muddy River, which flows into the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River Basin is a major ecological corridor supporting fish, migratory birds, and diverse aquatic species. Nutrient and pollutant management at this plant helps maintain water quality in the downstream river system, which is vital for both ecological integrity and human use.
Frequently asked questions
West Frankfort STP is located on IL 37 in West Frankfort, Franklin County, Illinois, United States.
The plant serves approximately 8,870 residents in the West Frankfort area.
The treated effluent is discharged into a local tributary that flows into the Big Muddy River, part of the Mississippi River Basin.
As a U.S. municipal wastewater plant, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated through an NPDES permit issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Plants of this scale typically provide secondary treatment, which uses biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting EPA standards.
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