Richey WWTP - Secondary Treatment Plant in Richey, Montana

Richey WWTP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Richey, Dawson County, Montana. The plant serves a small population of 259 residents, reflecting the rural character of the area. It operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal discharges. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level that removes biodegradable organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 177.91 million gallons per year and an actual discharge volume of 87.06 million gallons per year, the facility operates well within its capacity. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes such as activated sludge or trickling filters. The treated effluent is discharged into a local water body, likely a tributary of the Missouri River basin, which ultimately drains to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The plant's inland location and small scale reduce its environmental footprint, but proper operation is essential to protect downstream water quality in this semi-arid region.

Richey WWTP discharges into a local watercourse that is part of the Missouri River watershed. The Missouri River flows eastward to join the Mississippi River, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The surrounding area is characterized by agricultural land and prairie ecosystems. The plant's discharge supports base flows in local streams, which are important for aquatic life and irrigation. Maintaining secondary treatment standards helps prevent nutrient enrichment and oxygen depletion in downstream waters.