Overview
Arcata WWTF serves 17,752 people in Arcata, California, discharging treated wastewater near Humboldt Bay. The plant is located within 50 km of the Pacific coast.
Arcata WWTF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility serving the city of Arcata in Humboldt County, California. The plant handles wastewater from a population of approximately 17,752 residents, placing it in the small to medium agglomeration category under US regulatory frameworks. As a US facility, Arcata WWTF operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board. The plant's treated effluent discharges into the Humboldt Bay area, which ultimately drains to the Pacific Ocean. This coastal environment supports diverse aquatic life, including salmonids and migratory birds, making proper wastewater treatment essential for protecting local water quality and ecosystem health.
Environmental context
Arcata WWTF discharges into the Humboldt Bay watershed, a coastal estuary that connects to the Pacific Ocean. The bay supports a rich ecosystem including eelgrass beds, shellfish, and salmon runs. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast means its effluent can influence nearshore marine water quality, requiring careful management to protect sensitive habitats.
Frequently asked questions
Arcata WWTF is located on Humboldt Bay Trail in Arcata, Humboldt County, California, United States.
Arcata WWTF serves approximately 17,752 people in the city of Arcata and surrounding areas.
Arcata WWTF discharges treated wastewater into the Humboldt Bay area, which flows to the Pacific Ocean.
Arcata WWTF operates under the US Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
For a plant serving around 18,000 people, secondary treatment is typically required under the Clean Water Act, which removes at least 85% of organic matter and suspended solids.
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