Sewage

Sewage discharges are occurring throughout the entire Black Warrior River watershed. In order to discharge treated sewage, a facility is required to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Black Warrior RIVERKEEPER has investigated over 50 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and lagoons in the watershed and has found approximately 30% to be in violation of the federal Clean Water Act and the Alabama Water Pollution Control Act. Our findings indicate that partially treated and raw sewage is being discharged into streams throughout the watershed. When raw sewage is discharged into surface water it carries with it bacteria, pathogens and viruses that can be a threat to public health for many months. Unlike many complacent local authorities, we see this as a major threat that needs to be eradicated. When we find a facility that is violating its permit then we ask them to clean it up. If they do not show a good faith effort in working with us to clean up their sewage discharge then we will take necessary legal action to ensure that they will stop illegally discharging.

For more information about Black Warrior Riverkeeper's legal actions click here.

To view maps showing wastewater treatment plant locations in the watershed click here.

To view maps showing wastewater treatment plant locations in Jefferson County, click here.

East Walker Co. WWTP discharges into the Mulberry Fork (Walker Co.)

Moundville Lagoon discharges into the Black Warrior (Hale Co.)