Overview
Mule Creek State Prison WWTF in Ione, California serves a population of 6,500. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, which mandates secondary treatment for municipal facilities.
Mule Creek State Prison WWTF is a wastewater treatment facility located in Ione, Amador County, California. It serves a population of approximately 6,500, primarily from the correctional facility and surrounding area. The plant is situated inland, about 50 kilometers from the Pacific coast. 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 California State Water Resources Control Board. For a plant serving a population of this size, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal if discharging to sensitive waters. The plant's treated effluent likely discharges to a local waterway within the Sacramento-San Joaquin River system, which ultimately drains to the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The region supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for fish species.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge enters the Sacramento-San Joaquin River system, which flows into the San Francisco Bay and then the Pacific Ocean. This watershed supports critical habitats for salmon, steelhead, and other migratory fish. The region is ecologically sensitive due to its role in maintaining water quality for downstream communities and ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
Mule Creek State Prison WWTF is located at 4135 Twin Cities Road, Ione, Amador County, California, United States.
The plant serves a population of approximately 6,500 people, primarily from the Mule Creek State Prison and surrounding area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which is part of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River system that flows to the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act and is regulated by the California State Water Resources Control Board through an NPDES permit, which sets discharge limits for pollutants.
For a plant of this size in California, secondary treatment is standard, often including biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. Additional nutrient removal may be required if discharging to sensitive waters.
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