Outlet Bay S_T Plant - Secondary Wastewater Treatment in Outlet Bay, Idaho

The Outlet Bay S_T Plant is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located on Woodrat Road in Outlet Bay, Bonner County, Idaho. It serves a small population of 1,249 residents, reflecting the rural character of the area near the Idaho Panhandle. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level for inland facilities of this scale in the United States. With a designed capacity of 302.83 megaliters and an annual discharge volume of 151.42 megaliters, the plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires NPDES permits for such discharges to ensure compliance with water quality standards. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Pend Oreille River system and then to the Columbia River. This water body supports diverse aquatic life and is important for regional recreation and fisheries, making proper treatment essential for downstream ecosystem health.

The plant discharges into the Pend Oreille River watershed, which flows into the Columbia River and eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean. This river system supports a variety of fish species, including trout and salmon, and is an important migratory corridor. The surrounding area features forested terrain and numerous lakes, contributing to the ecological sensitivity of the region.