Overview
Florence Merrill WRF serves approximately 17,500 residents in Florence, Arizona. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits regulating its discharge to protect local water quality.
Florence Merrill WRF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Florence, Pinal County, Arizona. It serves a population of about 17,500, making it a medium-sized plant for the region. The plant is part of the town's infrastructure, managing wastewater from residential and commercial sources. Under the U.S. Clean Water Act, plants of this scale are typically required to meet secondary treatment standards through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The plant is expected to comply with state and federal regulations to ensure adequate treatment before discharge. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which drains into the Gila River system and eventually the Colorado River. This arid region relies heavily on water reuse and groundwater recharge, making the plant's role in protecting downstream ecosystems and water resources critical.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Gila River watershed, which flows through central Arizona and joins the Colorado River near Yuma. The Colorado River is a vital water source for the southwestern U.S. and supports diverse aquatic habitats, including endangered species like the southwestern willow flycatcher. The arid climate means that treated wastewater often contributes to streamflow and groundwater recharge, making effluent quality essential for maintaining ecological balance.
Frequently asked questions
Florence Merrill WRF is located in Florence, Pinal County, Arizona, United States.
The plant serves approximately 17,500 residents in the Florence area.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which drains into the Gila River system and eventually the Colorado River.
As a U.S. facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality or the EPA.
Plants of this size in Arizona typically employ secondary treatment processes such as activated sludge or lagoons, with possible nutrient removal to meet state water quality standards.
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