Overview
Durango WWTP serves approximately 16,000 residents in Durango, Colorado. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Animas River, a tributary of the San Juan River, which flows into the Colorado River Basin.
Durango WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Durango, Colorado, serving a population of about 16,000. The plant is situated along the Animas River, which runs through the city and is a key water resource for the region. As a US facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act, with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The plant's discharge enters the Animas River, which flows south into the San Juan River in New Mexico, eventually reaching the Colorado River and the Gulf of California. The Animas River supports diverse aquatic life and is used for recreation and irrigation, making the plant's effluent quality important for downstream ecosystems.
Environmental context
The Animas River flows through Durango and joins the San Juan River near Farmington, New Mexico. The San Juan River is a major tributary of the Colorado River, which ultimately drains into the Gulf of California. The watershed supports a variety of fish species, including trout, and is an important corridor for migratory birds. The region's semi-arid climate makes water quality management critical for both ecological health and human uses such as agriculture and recreation.
Frequently asked questions
Durango WWTP is located on Camino del Rio in Durango, La Plata County, Colorado, United States.
The plant serves approximately 16,000 residents in the city of Durango and surrounding areas.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Animas River, which flows through Durango.
As a US facility, Durango WWTP operates under the Clean Water Act and is required to have an NPDES permit issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which sets limits on effluent quality.
For a population of 16,000, secondary treatment is typically required under the Clean Water Act, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids.
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