Overview
Chama Village of wastewater treatment plant serves Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, providing secondary treatment for a small population of 1,022. It discharges 302.83 units of treated effluent and has a designed capacity of 908.50 units.
The Chama Village of wastewater treatment plant is located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States. It serves a small population of approximately 1,022 people, reflecting its role in a rural or small community setting within the state. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the U.S. Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater facilities. Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), plants of this scale are typically permitted by the New Mexico Environment Department. The designed capacity of 908.50 units indicates the plant's infrastructure capacity, while the actual discharge volume of 302.83 units suggests operational headroom. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into local water bodies that are part of the Rio Grande basin. The Rio Grande flows south through New Mexico and Texas, eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico. This river system supports diverse aquatic life and is a critical water resource for agriculture and communities in the arid Southwest. The plant's operations help protect water quality in this ecologically sensitive region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Rio Grande basin, which drains into the Gulf of Mexico. The Rio Grande is a vital water source in the arid Southwest, supporting riparian habitats, migratory birds, and endangered species such as the Rio Grande silvery minnow. Downstream, the river flows through agricultural and urban areas, making nutrient and pollutant control essential for maintaining water quality and ecosystem health.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States, serving the Chama Village area.
The plant serves a population of approximately 1,022 people, typical of a small community in rural New Mexico.
The plant discharges treated effluent into local water bodies within the Rio Grande basin, which ultimately flows to the Gulf of Mexico.
The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the minimum standard required by the U.S. Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater facilities.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act and is regulated through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), with permits typically issued by the New Mexico Environment Department.
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