Overview
West Salem WWTP serves the Town of Hamilton, Wisconsin, treating wastewater for approximately 5,076 residents. The plant operates under U.S. EPA and Wisconsin DNR regulations.
West Salem WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in the Town of Hamilton, La Crosse County, Wisconsin. It serves a population of about 5,076 people, typical of a small to medium-sized community in the Upper Midwest. As a U.S. facility, the plant is subject to the Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. For a population of this scale, secondary treatment is the standard requirement, ensuring removal of organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into a local waterway that ultimately drains into the Mississippi River via the La Crosse River or Black River systems. This region is part of the Driftless Area, known for its spring-fed streams and diverse aquatic habitats, making proper wastewater treatment critical for protecting water quality and downstream ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into a tributary of the La Crosse River, which flows into the Mississippi River near La Crosse, Wisconsin. The Mississippi River is a major ecological corridor supporting diverse fish, mussel, and bird species. The Driftless Area's karst topography and groundwater sensitivity require careful nutrient management to prevent algal blooms and protect aquatic life in receiving waters.
Frequently asked questions
West Salem WWTP is located in the Town of Hamilton, La Crosse County, Wisconsin, United States, near the city of West Salem.
The plant serves approximately 5,076 residents, typical of a small to medium-sized community in Wisconsin.
The plant discharges treated effluent into a local tributary that flows into the La Crosse River, which eventually reaches the Mississippi River.
As a U.S. facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
For a population of this size, secondary treatment is standard, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting state and federal water quality standards.
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