CANNON BEACH STP - Wastewater Treatment Plant in Cannon Beach, Oregon

CANNON BEACH STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant serving the city of Cannon Beach, Oregon, a coastal community in Clatsop County. The plant serves a population of approximately 52,250, placing it in the medium-to-large agglomeration category for U.S. facilities. Its location near the Pacific Ocean makes it a coastal plant with potential implications for marine water quality. As a U.S. facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). For plants of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, and more advanced treatment may be mandated if the receiving waters are sensitive. The designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating a facility sized for the seasonal population fluctuations common in coastal tourist towns. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Pacific Ocean, likely via an outfall that meets state and federal standards for marine discharge. The coastal environment supports diverse marine life, including salmon, Dungeness crab, and seabirds. Proper treatment is critical to protect nearshore habitats and recreational waters that drive the local economy.

The plant discharges into the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon coast, a region characterized by rocky shores, sandy beaches, and productive nearshore waters. The local watershed includes small coastal streams that drain directly to the ocean. The marine environment supports ecologically significant species such as Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and migratory seabirds. Protecting water quality is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting tourism and fishing industries.