Overview
ERIE SWRF serves Erie, Colorado, treating wastewater from a population of approximately 21,768. The plant discharges into the local watershed, contributing to the South Platte River basin.
ERIE SWRF is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Erie, Colorado, serving a population of about 21,768. Situated in Weld County, the facility is part of the region's infrastructure for managing domestic and commercial wastewater. As a plant serving a medium-sized agglomeration, ERIE SWRF operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment as a baseline. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program governs its discharge, ensuring compliance with water quality standards set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Coal Creek watershed, which flows into the South Platte River. This river is a vital water source for agriculture and ecosystems in northeastern Colorado, eventually contributing to the Platte River system. The plant plays a key role in protecting local water quality and downstream habitats.
Environmental context
ERIE SWRF discharges into Coal Creek, a tributary of the South Platte River. The South Platte River flows through the Denver metropolitan area and into Nebraska, supporting diverse aquatic life and agricultural irrigation. The watershed is ecologically sensitive, with seasonal variations in flow and nutrient loading that require careful management to prevent eutrophication and maintain habitat quality.
Frequently asked questions
ERIE SWRF is located in Erie, Colorado, in Weld County, near Coal Creek Trail in the Old Town Erie area.
ERIE SWRF serves a population of approximately 21,768 people in Erie and surrounding areas.
ERIE SWRF discharges treated effluent into Coal Creek, which flows into the South Platte River, a major waterway in northeastern Colorado.
ERIE SWRF operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
In Colorado, wastewater treatment plants serving populations around 20,000 typically provide secondary treatment as a minimum, with some employing advanced treatment to meet specific water quality requirements in sensitive watersheds.
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