Chewelah S_T Facility, Chewelah

Overview

Chewelah S_T Facility is a municipal wastewater treatment plant serving approximately 2,610 residents in Chewelah, Washington, United States. It operates under the US Clean Water Act framework.

The Chewelah S_T Facility is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Chewelah, Stevens County, Washington, serving a population of about 2,610. The plant is situated in the inland Pacific Northwest region, characterized by a semi-arid climate and proximity to the Colville National Forest. As a small-scale facility, it is subject to the US Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, which sets effluent limits to protect water quality. Plants of this size typically employ secondary treatment or equivalent technologies to meet regulatory standards. The treated effluent likely discharges to a local waterway within the Columbia River basin, ultimately draining to the Pacific Ocean. The plant plays a key role in protecting downstream aquatic ecosystems, including fish habitats in the region's rivers and streams.

Environmental context

The plant's discharge likely enters a tributary of the Columbia River, which flows through Washington and Oregon before reaching the Pacific Ocean. The Columbia River basin supports diverse aquatic life, including salmon and steelhead populations that are ecologically and culturally significant. Protecting water quality in this watershed is critical for maintaining these fisheries and overall river health.

Frequently asked questions

The Chewelah S_T Facility is located on Hunt Street in Chewelah, Stevens County, Washington, United States.

The facility serves approximately 2,610 residents in the Chewelah area.

The treated wastewater is likely discharged to a local waterway within the Columbia River basin, which ultimately flows to the Pacific Ocean.

The facility operates under the US Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

For small communities in the US, secondary treatment is standard under the Clean Water Act. This typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids before discharge.