Overview
The Lynnwood Treatment System in Edmonds, Washington serves approximately 35,860 people. It is located within 50 km of the coast and discharges into the local watershed.
The Lynnwood Treatment System is a municipal wastewater facility serving the Edmonds area in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. It handles wastewater for a population of around 35,860, placing it in the medium-agglomeration category under US regulatory frameworks. As a US facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology. For plants of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with possible additional nutrient removal to protect sensitive water bodies. The plant's treated effluent ultimately reaches the Puget Sound via local streams and rivers. Puget Sound is a major estuarine system supporting diverse marine life, including salmon, orcas, and shellfish. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 50 km) underscores the importance of effective treatment to prevent nutrient pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems.
Environmental context
The Lynnwood Treatment System discharges into the Puget Sound watershed, a large estuarine system connected to the Pacific Ocean via the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The receiving waters support critical habitats for Pacific salmon, steelhead, and southern resident killer whales. Nutrient loading from wastewater can contribute to algal blooms and hypoxia, making advanced treatment important for maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive region.
Frequently asked questions
The Lynnwood Treatment System is located at 16905 Talbot Road in Edmonds, Snohomish County, Washington, United States.
The plant serves approximately 35,860 people, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater facility.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into Puget Sound, a major estuarine system in the Pacific Northwest.
As a US facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated through an NPDES permit issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology, which sets limits on pollutants to protect water quality.
Plants of this size in Washington typically provide secondary treatment, and may include advanced nutrient removal to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loads to sensitive water bodies like Puget Sound.
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