Overview
MADRAS STP serves approximately 5,160 people in Madras, Oregon. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, supporting downstream water quality in the Deschutes River basin.
MADRAS STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Madras, Oregon, serving a population of about 5,160 residents. The plant is situated in Jefferson County, within the high desert region of central Oregon, and operates as part of the city's public infrastructure. As a small-scale facility, MADRAS STP is subject to Oregon Department of Environmental Quality regulations under the U.S. Clean Water Act. Plants of this size typically employ secondary treatment to meet state and federal discharge standards. The facility's design capacity and operational status are consistent with a community of this scale. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into a local waterway that ultimately flows into the Deschutes River, a major tributary of the Columbia River. The Deschutes River supports diverse aquatic life, including salmon and steelhead, and is an important recreational and ecological resource in the region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into a tributary of the Deschutes River, which flows north through central Oregon to join the Columbia River. The Deschutes River basin supports a variety of fish species, including threatened bull trout and Chinook salmon, and is a critical migratory corridor. The arid climate and agricultural demands in the region make water quality management essential for maintaining ecosystem health and downstream uses.
Frequently asked questions
MADRAS STP is located at 158 Southeast 7th Street, Madras, Oregon, in Jefferson County, United States.
MADRAS STP serves approximately 5,160 people in the city of Madras and surrounding areas.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into a local tributary that flows into the Deschutes River, a major river in central Oregon.
MADRAS STP operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, with permits issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Small plants like this typically require secondary treatment to meet water quality standards.
For plants serving about 5,000 people, secondary treatment is standard, involving biological processes to remove organic matter and solids. Discharge permits also regulate nutrients and other pollutants to protect receiving waters.
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