Overview
Buckeye Douglas Ranch WRF is a projected wastewater treatment plant in Maricopa, Arizona, serving approximately 32,847 people. The facility will operate under US EPA NPDES regulations for inland discharge.
Buckeye Douglas Ranch WRF is a planned wastewater treatment facility located in Maricopa, Arizona, within the United States. Designed to serve a population of around 32,847, the plant is part of the region's growing infrastructure to support urban development in Pinal County. As a projected facility, specific treatment processes and capacity details are not yet finalized. However, plants of this scale in the United States typically operate under the Clean Water Act, requiring National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Standard treatment for medium-sized agglomerations often includes secondary treatment with potential nutrient removal to protect downstream water quality. The plant's discharge will likely flow into local washes or tributaries of the Gila River, which eventually drains into the Colorado River and the Gulf of California. The arid climate and sensitive desert ecosystems downstream necessitate careful management of water quality and flow to support aquatic life and regional water resources.
Environmental context
The plant is situated in the Sonoran Desert, where water resources are scarce and ecologically sensitive. Treated effluent will likely be discharged into ephemeral washes that feed the Gila River, a major tributary of the Colorado River. The Colorado River system supports diverse aquatic habitats and is a critical water source for the southwestern United States and Mexico. Protecting water quality in this arid region is essential for maintaining riparian ecosystems and downstream water users.
Frequently asked questions
Buckeye Douglas Ranch WRF is located at 14287 North Porter Road in Maricopa, Pinal County, Arizona, United States.
The plant is designed to serve approximately 32,847 people, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under US EPA classifications.
As a projected inland facility, it will likely discharge treated effluent into local washes that drain to the Gila River, subject to an NPDES permit regulating flow and water quality.
The plant will operate under the US Clean Water Act, requiring an NPDES permit from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For its population size, secondary treatment is typically mandated.
Plants of this scale commonly employ secondary treatment (e.g., activated sludge) and may include nutrient removal to meet state water quality standards, especially in sensitive watersheds.
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