Oceana Marin WWTF - Novato, California Wastewater Treatment Plant

Oceana Marin WWTF is a wastewater treatment facility located in Novato, Marin County, California. It serves a small population of 526 residents and operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Clean Water Act, which governs wastewater discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level required by the Clean Water Act for municipal facilities to remove biodegradable organic matter and suspended solids. Its designed capacity is 227.12 units, with a current discharge volume of 75.71 units, indicating operational headroom. As a small facility, it plays a role in protecting local water quality in the San Francisco Bay Area. The treated effluent from Oceana Marin WWTF likely discharges into a tributary of the San Francisco Bay, a large estuary that supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for birds and fish. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means its discharge can influence coastal water quality and marine ecosystems.

The plant discharges into the San Francisco Bay watershed, which drains into the Pacific Ocean via the Golden Gate. The bay is a productive estuary that supports endangered species such as the Delta smelt and Chinook salmon. As a coastal facility, the plant must meet stringent discharge standards to protect sensitive marine habitats and recreational waters.