Overview
Hardin WWT Facility serves the town of Hardin, Montana, treating wastewater for approximately 3,520 residents. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act framework, ensuring compliance with federal and state discharge standards.
The Hardin WWT Facility is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Hardin, Montana, a small community in Big Horn County. Serving a population of around 3,520, the plant is part of the town's essential infrastructure, managing domestic wastewater from residential and commercial sources. As a U.S. facility, the plant operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which is authorized by the Clean Water Act. For small agglomerations like Hardin, secondary treatment is typically required to reduce organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. The plant's design and operation are subject to state-level oversight by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The treated effluent is discharged into a local waterway that ultimately drains into the Yellowstone River basin, a major tributary of the Missouri River. The Yellowstone River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor in the Northern Plains. The plant's discharge must meet water quality standards to protect downstream uses, including irrigation, recreation, and wildlife habitat.
Environmental context
The Hardin WWT Facility discharges into a tributary of the Yellowstone River, which flows into the Missouri River and eventually the Mississippi River system. The Yellowstone River basin supports a variety of fish species, including trout and paddlefish, and provides critical habitat for migratory birds. The plant's effluent must comply with Montana's water quality standards to protect these downstream ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
The Hardin WWT Facility is located at 5th Street East in Hardin, Big Horn County, Montana, United States.
The facility serves approximately 3,520 residents in the town of Hardin and surrounding areas.
The treated effluent is discharged into a local waterway that flows into the Yellowstone River basin, ultimately reaching the Missouri River system.
The facility operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, with discharge permits issued through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), overseen by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
For small communities like Hardin, secondary treatment is standard, which removes at least 85% of organic matter and suspended solids. Some plants may also incorporate disinfection or nutrient removal depending on local water quality requirements.
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