Jackson Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Plant, Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson Lagoon is a wastewater treatment facility serving the town of Jackson, Wyoming, in Teton County. The plant handles wastewater from a population of about 21,134, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under U.S. regulatory standards. Its location near the Snake River headwaters places it in a sensitive alpine environment. As a U.S. facility, Jackson Lagoon operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. The plant's discharge ultimately flows into the Snake River, which drains into the Columbia River system and reaches the Pacific Ocean. The surrounding Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is ecologically significant, supporting native trout species and diverse wildlife. The facility's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) and its discharge into a major river system underscore the importance of effective treatment to protect downstream water quality.

Jackson Lagoon discharges into the Snake River, a major tributary of the Columbia River that flows through Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington before reaching the Pacific Ocean. The Snake River headwaters in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem support cold-water fisheries, including native cutthroat trout, and provide habitat for migratory birds. The plant's coastal proximity (within 10 km) and its location in a high-altitude, sensitive watershed necessitate careful management to prevent nutrient loading and maintain water quality in this ecologically important region.