Overview
Girdwood WWTP serves 6,480 people in Anchorage, Alaska, discharging treated wastewater within 50 km of the coast. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act NPDES permitting system.
Girdwood WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility serving the community of Girdwood in Anchorage, Alaska. The plant treats wastewater from a population of approximately 6,480 residents, operating as part of the region's water infrastructure. The plant is subject to the US Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal facilities. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating a scale appropriate for a small community. NPDES permits issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation govern discharge limits and monitoring. The plant's treated effluent ultimately reaches coastal waters of the Gulf of Alaska via local streams and Turnagain Arm. This watershed supports salmon runs and diverse marine life, making proper treatment essential for protecting downstream ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Turnagain Arm watershed, which flows into the Gulf of Alaska. This coastal environment supports critical salmon habitat and marine biodiversity. The proximity to the coast (within 50 km) means treated effluent enters a sensitive estuarine system where nutrient and pollutant loads must be carefully managed to protect aquatic life.
Frequently asked questions
Girdwood WWTP is located on Ruane Road in Girdwood, Anchorage, Alaska, 99587, United States.
The plant serves approximately 6,480 residents in the Girdwood community.
The plant discharges treated effluent into local waterways that flow into Turnagain Arm, an estuary of the Gulf of Alaska.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
For small communities of this size, secondary treatment is standard under the Clean Water Act, often using activated sludge or lagoon systems.
Nearby plants