Overview
Buckeye Gila Southwest WRF is a projected wastewater treatment plant in Maricopa County, Arizona, serving a population of 5,036. The plant will manage municipal wastewater in the Gila River watershed.
Buckeye Gila Southwest WRF is a planned wastewater treatment facility located in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. Designed to serve a population of 5,036, the plant is part of the region's infrastructure to support growing communities in the southwestern part of the county. As a projected facility, it is not yet operational but will play a key role in local wastewater management. The plant will operate under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for discharges to surface waters. For a facility of this scale, secondary treatment is typically mandated, though specific treatment processes have not been disclosed. The plant's design capacity and discharge volume are not yet established, as it remains in the planning phase. The plant's discharge will likely enter the Gila River watershed, which flows through Arizona and eventually joins the Colorado River. The Gila River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important water source for agriculture and ecosystems in the arid Southwest. Proper treatment will be essential to protect water quality in this sensitive desert environment.
Environmental context
The plant is located in the Gila River basin, a major tributary of the Colorado River. The Gila River flows through arid landscapes and supports riparian habitats, including migratory bird corridors and native fish species. Downstream, the Colorado River provides water to millions of people and irrigates vast agricultural areas, making water quality management critical for both ecological and human uses.
Frequently asked questions
Buckeye Gila Southwest WRF is located in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, near South 295th Avenue.
The plant is designed to serve a population of 5,036 people.
As a projected plant, discharge details are not yet finalized, but it will likely discharge into the Gila River watershed under an NPDES permit.
The plant will operate under the U.S. Clean Water Act, requiring an NPDES permit from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality or the EPA.
For a plant of this size, secondary treatment is standard under the Clean Water Act, often involving biological processes like activated sludge or lagoons.
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