Overview
Jicarilla Apache Nation wastewater plant serves 2,623 people in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. It operates under the US Clean Water Act framework for tribal wastewater infrastructure.
The Jicarilla Apache Nation wastewater plant is located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, serving a population of approximately 2,623. As a facility on tribal lands, it is part of the broader US wastewater infrastructure managed under federal and tribal environmental programs. For small communities like this, typical treatment involves secondary treatment or lagoon systems, as required by the US Clean Water Act for surface water discharges. Facilities of this scale often use aerated lagoons or package plants to meet permit limits. The plant discharges to local waterways in the San Juan River basin, which ultimately drains into the Colorado River system. This region supports diverse aquatic life and is important for downstream water quality in the Colorado Plateau ecosystem.
Environmental context
The plant's receiving waters flow into the San Juan River, a tributary of the Colorado River. This watershed supports species such as the Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker, and is ecologically sensitive due to arid conditions and water scarcity. Downstream, the Colorado River system provides water for agriculture and municipalities across multiple states.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States, on the Jicarilla Apache Nation reservation.
The plant serves approximately 2,623 people, making it a small community wastewater facility.
The plant discharges to local waterways in the San Juan River basin, which flows into the Colorado River system.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with permits typically issued by the EPA or tribal authority for discharges to surface waters.
Small US plants often use lagoon systems or package treatment plants providing secondary treatment, as required by the Clean Water Act for most surface water discharges.
Nearby plants