Overview
Rio Grande County wastewater treatment plant in Alpine, Colorado, serves a small population of 1,186 with secondary treatment. The plant is projected and discharges 405.04 units of treated wastewater.
Rio Grande County wastewater treatment plant is located in Alpine, Colorado, within Rio Grande County. It serves a small population of 1,186 people, reflecting a rural community in the San Luis Valley region. The plant is currently in the projected stage, indicating it is planned or under development. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the US Clean Water Act for municipal wastewater facilities. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids. The designed capacity is 405.04 units, matching the discharge volume, suggesting the plant is sized for current needs. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Rio Grande River. This river is a major waterway in the southwestern United States, supporting agriculture, ecosystems, and communities. The plant's operation helps protect water quality in this important basin.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Rio Grande River basin, a critical water source for the arid Southwest. The Rio Grande flows through Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and into the Gulf of Mexico, supporting diverse aquatic life and irrigating farmland. Downstream ecosystems include riparian habitats and wetlands that rely on consistent water quality. Protecting this watershed is essential for regional biodiversity and water security.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 655 Rabbit Ears Road, Alpine, Colorado, in Rio Grande County, United States.
The plant serves a population of 1,186 people, typical of a small rural community in Colorado.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which drains into the Rio Grande River, a major river in the southwestern United States.
As a US facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act, with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Small US plants typically use secondary treatment, often with lagoon or package plant systems, to meet EPA standards for organic matter and solids removal.
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