Overview
Red River Town of wastewater treatment plant serves Taos County, New Mexico, USA. It treats wastewater for approximately 9,477 residents under the US Clean Water Act.
The Red River Town of wastewater treatment plant is located in Taos County, New Mexico, United States. It serves a population of around 9,477 people, making it a medium-sized facility in a rural mountainous region of the southwestern US. As a US-based plant, it operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. For a population of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with possible additional nutrient removal if discharging to sensitive waters. The plant's treated effluent likely discharges into the Red River or a tributary, which flows into the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande is a major river supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for agriculture and municipalities downstream, eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
Environmental context
The plant is situated in the upper Rio Grande watershed, a semi-arid region with significant ecological importance. The receiving water body, likely the Red River, flows into the Rio Grande, which supports critical habitat for native fish species such as the Rio Grande silvery minnow. Downstream, the river supplies irrigation and drinking water, and its flow is vital for maintaining riparian ecosystems in the Chihuahuan Desert.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Elephant Rock Trail in Taos County, New Mexico, United States, in the mountainous region of northern New Mexico.
The plant serves approximately 9,477 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized facility under US EPA guidelines.
The plant likely discharges treated effluent into the Red River or a nearby tributary, which flows into the Rio Grande. Discharge is regulated under an NPDES permit.
As a US facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and must comply with NPDES permit requirements, which set limits on pollutants and ensure proper treatment.
For a population of this size, secondary treatment is standard, often including biological processes. In sensitive watersheds like the Rio Grande, additional nutrient removal may be required.
Nearby plants