Overview
Crary Lagoon is a secondary wastewater treatment plant serving the small community of Crary, North Dakota. It discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, supporting downstream water quality.
Crary Lagoon is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Crary, Ramsey County, North Dakota. It serves a small population of approximately 142 residents, reflecting the rural character of the area. The plant is situated in the northern Great Plains, a region characterized by cold winters and flat terrain. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required under the U.S. Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater. With a designed capacity of 75.71 cubic meters per day and a current discharge volume of 37.85 cubic meters per day, the facility operates well within its capacity. As a lagoon system, it likely uses natural biological processes to treat wastewater before discharge. The treated effluent is released into the local watershed, which drains into the Devils Lake Basin, a terminal basin in northeastern North Dakota. This basin is ecologically significant as it supports migratory waterfowl and diverse aquatic life. The plant's operation helps protect downstream water quality in this sensitive prairie ecosystem.
Environmental context
Crary Lagoon discharges into the Devils Lake Basin, a closed basin that does not drain to the ocean. This terminal lake system is ecologically sensitive, supporting important bird habitats along the Central Flyway. The plant's secondary treatment helps maintain water quality in the basin, which is prone to nutrient loading and algal blooms. Downstream, the water eventually reaches Devils Lake, a large natural lake that provides critical habitat for fish and wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
Crary Lagoon is located on Eastern Avenue South in Crary, Ramsey County, North Dakota, United States.
Crary Lagoon serves a population of approximately 142 residents, reflecting its role as a small community wastewater facility.
Crary Lagoon discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which drains into the Devils Lake Basin, a terminal basin in northeastern North Dakota.
Crary Lagoon operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal wastewater. The plant is likely permitted through the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
For small communities like Crary, lagoon systems providing secondary treatment are common due to their low cost and simple operation. The U.S. Clean Water Act mandates secondary treatment for all municipal plants, regardless of size.
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