Overview
Ridgway Town of wastewater treatment plant serves 1,615 residents in Ridgway, Colorado with advanced treatment. The facility discharges treated effluent into the Uncompahgre River, part of the Colorado River Basin.
The Ridgway Town of wastewater treatment plant is a municipal facility located in Ridgway, Colorado, serving a population of approximately 1,615. The plant provides advanced treatment, ensuring high-quality effluent before discharge. It operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, with oversight from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The plant's designed capacity is 719.23 volume units, matching its current discharge volume, indicating efficient operation. As an advanced treatment facility, the plant likely employs processes such as biological nutrient removal or tertiary filtration to meet stringent water quality standards. This level of treatment is appropriate for its size and the sensitivity of the receiving water body. The plant's discharge is regulated under an EPA NPDES permit, which sets limits on pollutants to protect aquatic life and downstream uses. The treated effluent is discharged into the Uncompahgre River, a tributary of the Gunnison River, which flows into the Colorado River. This river system supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and provides water for agriculture, recreation, and municipal use downstream. The plant's advanced treatment helps maintain water quality in this ecologically important basin.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Uncompahgre River, which flows into the Gunnison River and ultimately the Colorado River. The Colorado River Basin is a critical water source for the southwestern United States, supporting numerous species and providing water for millions of people. The advanced treatment at this plant helps protect downstream ecosystems, including fish habitats and riparian zones, from nutrient pollution and other contaminants.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Ridgway, Ouray County, Colorado, along the Uncompahgre River Walk.
The plant serves approximately 1,615 residents in the town of Ridgway, Colorado.
The plant discharges advanced-treated effluent into the Uncompahgre River, which flows into the Gunnison River and then the Colorado River.
The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, with an EPA NPDES permit issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
For small communities in the US, advanced treatment is often required to meet water quality standards, especially when discharging to sensitive rivers like the Uncompahgre.
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