Overview
BASALT WWTP serves approximately 3,000 people in Pitkin County, Colorado. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed within the Colorado River basin.
BASALT WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Pitkin County, Colorado, serving a population of around 3,000 residents. The plant is situated along Colorado State Highway 82 in the Rocky Mountain region, an area known for its mountainous terrain and cold winters. As a small-scale facility, it plays a key role in managing local wastewater for the community. Under the U.S. Clean Water Act, plants of this size are typically required to meet secondary treatment standards through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program. The facility is expected to comply with state and federal effluent limits designed to protect water quality in the sensitive mountain environment. The plant's treated effluent ultimately drains into the Colorado River basin, which supplies water to millions of people across the southwestern United States. The receiving waters support diverse aquatic life, including native trout species, and are important for recreation and agriculture. Proper treatment at this facility helps maintain the ecological health of the headwaters region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Colorado River basin, a major watershed that flows through the arid Southwest to the Gulf of California. The upper Colorado River supports cold-water fisheries and provides critical habitat for species such as the Colorado River cutthroat trout. The region's high-altitude streams are sensitive to nutrient pollution, making effective wastewater treatment essential for preserving water quality and downstream ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
BASALT WWTP is located in Pitkin County, Colorado, along Colorado State Highway 82, near the town of Basalt. It serves the local community in the Rocky Mountain region.
The plant serves approximately 3,000 people, classifying it as a small-scale municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which flows into the Colorado River basin. The discharge is regulated under the U.S. Clean Water Act to protect water quality.
The plant helps protect the Colorado River and its tributaries, which are vital for drinking water, agriculture, and recreation in the southwestern United States.
As a facility in the United States, BASALT WWTP must comply with the Clean Water Act and obtain an NPDES permit. Small plants like this typically require secondary treatment to meet effluent limits set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Nearby plants