Overview
The Boise City of West Boise wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 145,583 people in Boise, Idaho. It operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act, which mandates secondary treatment for municipal plants of this scale.
The Boise City of West Boise wastewater treatment plant is a major municipal facility serving the western portion of Boise, Idaho. Located in Ada County, the plant handles wastewater from a population of around 145,583, placing it in the large-agglomeration category under U. S. regulatory frameworks. As a U. S. facility, the plant is subject to the Clean Water Act and operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. For plants serving populations over 100,000, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal standards in sensitive watersheds. The plant's treated effluent discharges into the Boise River, which flows westward to join the Snake River. The Snake River ultimately drains into the Columbia River and then the Pacific Ocean. The Boise River supports diverse aquatic life and is a critical water source for irrigation and recreation in the region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Boise River, a tributary of the Snake River, which flows into the Columbia River and eventually the Pacific Ocean. The Boise River watershed supports a variety of fish species, including trout and salmon, and provides habitat for migratory birds. The river is also used for agricultural irrigation and recreational activities, making water quality protection essential for both ecological and human uses.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 11818 West Joplin Road in Boise, Idaho, within Ada County.
The plant serves approximately 145,583 people in the western part of Boise.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Boise River, which flows into the Snake River and then the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean.
The plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
Under the Clean Water Act, municipal plants serving over 100,000 people are generally required to provide secondary treatment, and may need advanced treatment for nutrient removal in sensitive watersheds.
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