Overview
BELEN DISPOSAL PLANT serves approximately 7,150 residents in Belen, New Mexico. The facility operates under U.S. Clean Water Act regulations for municipal wastewater treatment.
BELEN DISPOSAL PLANT is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Belen, Valencia County, New Mexico. It serves a population of about 7,150 people, classifying it as a small to medium-sized plant within the state's wastewater infrastructure. As a U.S. facility, the plant is subject to the Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality. The plant discharges into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Rio Grande, a major river system in the southwestern United States. The Rio Grande supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for irrigation and municipal use, making the plant's discharge quality important for downstream ecosystems and communities.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent flows into the Rio Grande basin, which traverses New Mexico and Texas before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. The Rio Grande is a critical water source in an arid region, supporting riparian habitats, migratory birds, and endangered species such as the Rio Grande silvery minnow. Maintaining low nutrient and pollutant loads is essential to prevent algal blooms and protect downstream water quality.
Frequently asked questions
BELEN DISPOSAL PLANT is located on Conservacy Road in Bacaville, Belen, Valencia County, New Mexico, United States.
The plant serves approximately 7,150 residents in the Belen area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which flows into the Rio Grande, a major river system in the southwestern United States.
As a U.S. facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the state or EPA.
For small to medium-sized plants in the U.S., secondary treatment is typically required, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids.
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