Overview
Kennewick POTW is a municipal wastewater treatment plant serving approximately 74,665 people in Kennewick, Washington. It operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES permitting framework.
Kennewick POTW is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Kennewick, Washington, serving a population of approximately 74,665. The plant is situated in Benton County, near the Port of Kennewick, and plays a key role in managing wastewater for this growing city in the Columbia River Basin. As a medium-to-large agglomeration, the plant is subject to the U. S. Clean Water Act and operates under an EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology. These permits set effluent limits to protect water quality, and treatment typically includes secondary treatment as a minimum standard for municipal plants of this scale. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Columbia River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. The Columbia River is a major ecological and economic resource, supporting salmon runs and diverse aquatic life. The plant's operations are critical to maintaining water quality in this important river system.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Columbia River, which flows through Washington and Oregon before reaching the Pacific Ocean. The Columbia River supports critical salmon and steelhead runs, and its estuary provides habitat for numerous fish and bird species. Protecting water quality in this river is essential for regional ecology and fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
Kennewick POTW is located in Kennewick, Washington, United States, near the Port of Kennewick in Benton County.
Kennewick POTW serves approximately 74,665 people, classifying it as a medium-to-large municipal wastewater treatment plant.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Columbia River, which flows through Washington and Oregon to the Pacific Ocean.
The plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act and is regulated by an EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Municipal plants of this scale in the U. S. typically provide secondary treatment as a minimum, with additional nutrient removal if discharging to sensitive waters. NPDES permits specify effluent limits based on the receiving water body's water quality standards.
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