Overview
Whitewater River Regional WWTF serves Saint Charles, Minnesota, treating wastewater for approximately 9,762 residents. The plant operates under US EPA and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regulations.
Whitewater River Regional WWTF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Saint Charles, Minnesota, serving a population of about 9,762. The plant is situated in Winona County and is part of the regional wastewater infrastructure for the area. As a facility in the United States, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. For a population of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with possible nutrient removal standards depending on the receiving water body's sensitivity. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Whitewater River watershed, which flows into the Mississippi River, a major waterway that drains into the Gulf of Mexico. The plant plays a key role in protecting local water quality and downstream ecosystems, including the Mississippi River's diverse aquatic habitats.
Environmental context
The Whitewater River flows through southeastern Minnesota and joins the Mississippi River near Winona. The Mississippi River is a critical ecological corridor supporting diverse fish and wildlife, and its waters ultimately reach the Gulf of Mexico. Nutrient loading from wastewater can contribute to hypoxia in the Gulf, making effective treatment important for regional water quality.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Richland Avenue in Saint Charles, Winona County, Minnesota, United States.
The plant serves approximately 9,762 residents in the Saint Charles area and surrounding communities.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Whitewater River, which flows into the Mississippi River and eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act and is regulated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency through an NPDES permit, which sets limits on pollutants to protect water quality.
Plants of this scale in Minnesota typically provide secondary treatment, and may include phosphorus removal to address nutrient concerns in the Mississippi River basin.
Nearby plants