Overview
Okanogan S_T FAC is a wastewater treatment plant serving approximately 2,585 people in Okanogan, Washington, USA. The facility discharges into the local watershed within the Columbia River basin.
The Okanogan S_T FAC is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Okanogan, Washington, United States. It serves a population of about 2,585 residents, placing it in the small community category. The plant is situated near WA 20 in Okanogan County, within the arid region of north-central Washington. As a small-scale facility in the United States, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for all point source discharges. Plants of this size typically employ secondary treatment or equivalent to meet federal and state water quality standards. The Washington State Department of Ecology oversees permitting and compliance for such facilities. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into a local waterway that ultimately drains into the Columbia River basin. The Columbia River system is a major ecological and economic resource, supporting salmon runs, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. Protecting water quality in this basin is critical for downstream ecosystems, including the Columbia River estuary and the Pacific Ocean.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into a tributary of the Columbia River, one of the largest river systems in North America. The Columbia River basin supports diverse aquatic life, including several species of Pacific salmon and steelhead trout. Downstream, the river flows through the Columbia River Gorge and into the Pacific Ocean, providing critical habitat for migratory fish and marine species. Protecting water quality in this watershed is essential for maintaining ecological health and supporting regional fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
The Okanogan S_T FAC is located near WA 20 in Okanogan, Okanogan County, Washington, United States.
The plant serves approximately 2,585 people, making it a small community wastewater treatment facility.
The plant discharges treated effluent into a local waterway that flows into the Columbia River basin, ultimately reaching the Pacific Ocean.
As a US facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to NPDES permit requirements enforced by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Small plants in Washington typically use secondary treatment or equivalent to meet state water quality standards, often involving biological processes and disinfection.
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