ELBERT STP Wastewater Treatment Plant, Elbert County, Colorado

ELBERT STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Elbert County, Colorado, United States. The facility serves a small population of 250 residents, providing secondary treatment to manage local wastewater. The plant's designed capacity matches its discharge volume of 151.42 cubic meters per day, indicating consistent operation. As a secondary treatment plant, ELBERT STP meets the standard requirements under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which mandates secondary treatment for municipal facilities. The plant operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, ensuring compliance with effluent limits. The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that drain into the South Platte River basin, ultimately contributing to the Platte River system. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for agricultural and recreational uses downstream. The plant's inland location reduces direct marine impact, but its discharge affects local stream health and downstream ecosystems.

The plant's treated effluent enters the South Platte River basin, which flows into the Platte River and eventually the Missouri River system. This watershed supports diverse aquatic species and is an important resource for irrigation and recreation in the region. The plant's secondary treatment helps protect water quality in this semi-arid environment, where stream flows are sensitive to pollution.