Overview
Belfry Lagoon is a secondary wastewater treatment plant serving approximately 250 residents in Belfry, Montana. It discharges treated effluent into the local watershed under US EPA and state regulations.
Belfry Lagoon is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Belfry, a small town in Carbon County, Montana. The plant serves a population of about 250 people, reflecting the rural character of the area. As a lagoon-based system, it provides secondary treatment, which is typical for small communities in the region. The plant has a designed capacity of 113.56 cubic meters per day and currently treats an average daily flow of 94.64 cubic meters, indicating it operates below its full capacity. Under the US Clean Water Act, such facilities are regulated through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, administered by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. Secondary treatment standards require removal of at least 85% of biochemical oxygen demand and suspended solids. The treated effluent is discharged into local surface waters that ultimately drain into the Yellowstone River basin. The Yellowstone River is a major tributary of the Missouri River, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for irrigation and recreation. The plant's location inland and its small scale reduce its environmental footprint, though proper operation remains essential to protect downstream water quality.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into local waterways that flow into the Yellowstone River, a major tributary of the Missouri-Mississippi river system. The Yellowstone River supports a variety of fish species, including trout and paddlefish, and provides critical habitat for migratory birds. The surrounding watershed is semi-arid, with agriculture and ranching as primary land uses, making water quality protection important for both ecological and economic reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Belfry Lagoon is located on Vaill Avenue in Belfry, Carbon County, Montana, United States.
The plant serves approximately 250 residents, reflecting the small rural community of Belfry.
The treated effluent is discharged into local surface waters that drain into the Yellowstone River basin, ultimately reaching the Missouri River.
Belfry Lagoon provides secondary treatment, which is the standard required under the US Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater plants.
As a US facility, Belfry Lagoon operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, administered by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
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