Wastewater Treatment Plant

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you give tours of the wastewater treatment plant?
  Yes, call the WWTP and ask for the plant chemist at 788-4075.
   
• Do you accept septic tank waste?
  Typically, no. However, under unusual and controlled conditions we may accept it. Please call the wastewater treatment plant and ask for the IPP chemist or the plant superintendent for clarification.
   
• I have had a chemical spill and it went into the sanitary sewer, what do I do?
  Please call the wastewater treatment plant and ask for the IPP chemist or the plant operator at 788-4075.
   
• I live in the city and I have a backup in my sewer, what do I do?
  Please call the City of Jackson's Department of Public Works at 788-4170.
   
• Do you accept wastewater from recreational vehicles at the wastewater treatment plant?
  Yes, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please sign-in at the office.
   
• I have this stuff; can I dump it down the sewer?
  We need to know what it is, volume, etc. Please call the wastewater treatment plant at 788-4075 and ask for IPP chemist.
   
• What are the wastewater treatment plant's funding sources?
  • Individual sewer bills from the City of Jackson sewer users and township sewer users.
  • Bulk sewer bills from the prison and the townships that use our services.
  • Miscellaneous sources including pretreatment reimbursements, landfill leachate treatment, etc.
     
• What services does the wastewater treatment plant provide?
  We treat wastewater from residential, commercial and industrial users in our service area. The service area serves the City of Jackson, State Prison of Southern Michigan, parts of Blackman, Summit, Spring Arbor/Sandstone and Napoleon townships. Approximately 80,000 people are served by the wastewater treatment plant.
  
  The wastewater treatment plant receives about 12 million gallons per day or 15 million gallons per month. Presently the wastewater treatment plant can treat 18.8 million gallons per day.
  
  The activated sludge treatment process removes pollutants from the wastewater that is received. As part of the treatment process, the plant produces biosolids. The biosolids are treated and recycled onto area farm fields as a soil enhancement and fertilizer or it is disposed of at the county landfill. Approximately 3 million gallons are placed on area farm fields annually and about 2,000 cubic yards per year are disposed of at a county designated landfill.
  
  The city’s on-site and contract laboratory personnel perform multiple chemical tests on the influent (the incoming wastewater), on the treatment processes throughout the plant, and on the effluent (the plant discharge water). Our laboratory personnel also monitor and sample the influent flow from our township customers.
   
• Where is the wastewater treatment plant located?
  The City of Jackson Wastewater Treatment Plant started operation in 1935 at 2995 Lansing Avenue. A park is located adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant for residents to enjoy.