Overview
Mendenhall Valley Treatment Plant serves Juneau, Alaska, treating wastewater for approximately 17,700 residents. Located near the Mendenhall River, it operates under the US Clean Water Act framework.
The Mendenhall Valley Treatment Plant is a municipal wastewater facility serving the Juneau area in Alaska, United States. It handles wastewater from a population of about 17,700, placing it in the medium-agglomeration category. The plant is situated near the Mendenhall River, which flows into the Gastineau Channel and ultimately the Pacific Ocean. As a US facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act, with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. The designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating a moderate-scale operation. The plant's discharge impacts the Mendenhall River watershed, a glacially-fed system that supports salmon runs and diverse aquatic life. The river drains into the Gastineau Channel, a marine estuary near Juneau, which is part of the larger Inside Passage ecosystem. Protecting water quality in this region is critical for fisheries and local recreation.
Environmental context
The Mendenhall Valley Treatment Plant discharges into the Mendenhall River, which flows into the Gastineau Channel, a marine estuary in southeastern Alaska. This watershed supports critical salmon habitat and is part of the Tongass National Forest, an ecologically sensitive area. The plant's operations are important for maintaining water quality in this glacially-fed system, which ultimately drains into the Pacific Ocean.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Mendenhall Refuge Trail in Juneau, Alaska, United States, near the Mendenhall River.
The plant serves approximately 17,700 residents in the Juneau area.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Mendenhall River, which flows into the Gastineau Channel and ultimately the Pacific Ocean.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
For a medium-sized agglomeration like this, secondary treatment is typically required under the Clean Water Act, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids.
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