Overview
Gardiner WWTF serves approximately 4,300 people in Park County, Montana. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Yellowstone River watershed, supporting local water quality and downstream ecosystems.
Gardiner WWTF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Park County, Montana, serving a population of about 4,300 residents. The plant is situated near the Yellowstone River, a major tributary of the Missouri River system, and plays a key role in managing wastewater for the community. As a facility in the United States, Gardiner WWTF operates under the Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for discharges into surface waters. For a plant serving a population of this size, secondary treatment is typically mandated to meet effluent limits that protect aquatic life and human health. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Yellowstone River watershed, which flows north through Montana and into the Missouri River. This river system supports diverse aquatic species and provides water for irrigation, recreation, and wildlife habitat downstream. Proper treatment at Gardiner WWTF helps maintain the ecological health of this important watershed.
Environmental context
The Yellowstone River, a free-flowing river in the western United States, originates in Yellowstone National Park and flows through Montana before joining the Missouri River. The watershed supports a variety of fish species, including Yellowstone cutthroat trout, and provides critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Gardiner WWTF's discharge contributes to the river's flow, and effective treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect downstream water quality.
Frequently asked questions
Gardiner WWTF is located in Park County, Montana, United States, near the Yellowstone River.
The plant serves approximately 4,300 residents in the Gardiner area of Park County.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Yellowstone River watershed, which flows into the Missouri River.
As a U.S. facility, Gardiner WWTF operates under the Clean Water Act and must comply with an NPDES permit issued by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
Plants of this size typically provide secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting EPA effluent guidelines.
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