Overview
NEEDLES WWTF serves approximately 14,950 residents in Needles, California. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES permit program.
NEEDLES WWTF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Needles, California, serving a population of about 14,950. The plant is situated in San Bernardino County, near the Colorado River, and plays a key role in managing wastewater for this desert community. 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 medium-sized agglomeration of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal if discharging to sensitive waters. The plant's treated effluent likely discharges to the Colorado River or its tributaries, which flows south to the Gulf of California. The Colorado River is a critical water source for the arid Southwest, supporting agriculture, recreation, and ecosystems including the Colorado River Delta, an important habitat for migratory birds and endemic fish species.
Environmental context
The plant is located in the Lower Colorado River Basin, with treated effluent likely discharging into the Colorado River. The Colorado River flows through the Sonoran Desert and ultimately reaches the Gulf of California, supporting a fragile ecosystem. Downstream, the river provides water for irrigation and municipal use, and its delta is a vital stopover for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway.
Frequently asked questions
NEEDLES WWTF is located on East Broadway Street in Needles, San Bernardino County, California, United States.
The plant serves approximately 14,950 residents in the city of Needles and surrounding areas.
The plant likely discharges treated effluent to the Colorado River or its tributaries, which flows south to the Gulf of California.
As a US facility, NEEDLES WWTF operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
For a medium-sized agglomeration of this scale, secondary treatment is standard, with possible tertiary treatment if discharging to sensitive waters like the Colorado River.
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