Overview
Big Gulch WWTP serves Mukilteo, Washington, treating wastewater for approximately 27,656 residents. The plant operates under U.S. EPA and Washington State regulations, discharging treated effluent into the Puget Sound ecosystem.
Big Gulch WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Mukilteo, Washington, serving a population of about 27,656. Situated in Snohomish County, the plant is part of the region's infrastructure managing wastewater from residential and commercial sources. As a medium-sized agglomeration, the plant falls under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Clean Water Act, administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Under the Clean Water Act, facilities of this scale are typically required to meet secondary treatment standards, with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits governing discharge limits. The plant's operational status and treatment level are consistent with standard municipal practices for the region. Treated wastewater from Big Gulch WWTP discharges into the Puget Sound, a major estuary of the Pacific Ocean. The receiving waters support diverse marine life, including salmon, orcas, and shellfish. The plant's location within 50 kilometers of the coast underscores its role in protecting the sensitive marine environment from nutrient and pathogen pollution.
Environmental context
Big Gulch WWTP discharges into the Puget Sound, a large estuarine system connected to the Pacific Ocean via the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The sound supports critical habitats for salmon, herring, and marine mammals. The plant's effluent contributes to the nutrient and flow dynamics of the sound, making treatment standards essential for preventing eutrophication and protecting shellfish beds.
Frequently asked questions
Big Gulch WWTP is located at 6298 95th Place Southwest, Mukilteo, Washington, in Snohomish County, United States.
The plant serves approximately 27,656 residents in the Mukilteo area.
Treated wastewater from Big Gulch WWTP is discharged into the Puget Sound, a major estuary of the Pacific Ocean.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, with discharge permits issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
For a medium-sized agglomeration like Big Gulch WWTP, secondary treatment is typically required under the Clean Water Act, which removes at least 85% of suspended solids and organic matter.
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