Overview
Williamsburg STP in Emlyn, Kentucky serves approximately 5,828 people. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal wastewater facilities.
Williamsburg STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Emlyn, Whitley County, Kentucky, serving a population of about 5,828. The facility is part of the regional wastewater infrastructure managed under state and federal regulations. As a plant serving a small agglomeration, it is subject to the U.S. Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program. This regulatory framework mandates secondary treatment as the minimum standard for municipal wastewater facilities, ensuring the protection of receiving water bodies. The plant discharges into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Cumberland River system. The Cumberland River flows into the Ohio River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water resources for communities downstream.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge enters the Cumberland River basin, which flows into the Ohio River and then the Mississippi River, eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico. This watershed supports a variety of fish and wildlife, including several species of freshwater mussels and migratory birds. The region's karst topography can influence groundwater and surface water interactions, making proper treatment essential for protecting local water quality.
Frequently asked questions
Williamsburg STP is located in Emlyn, Whitley County, Kentucky, United States.
The plant serves approximately 5,828 people.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, which flows into the Cumberland River system.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires NPDES permits for municipal wastewater discharges. Kentucky's environmental agency typically issues these permits.
Plants of this size in the U.S. are generally required to provide secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
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