ROSS LAGOON Wastewater Treatment Plant, Mountrail County, North Dakota

ROSS LAGOON is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Mountrail County, North Dakota, United States. The plant serves a small population of 44 residents, reflecting its role in a rural community. It operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, which governs wastewater discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level for small communities in the United States. Its designed capacity is 75.71 megaliters, with an annual discharge volume of 18.93 megaliters, indicating operational headroom. As a small facility, it is subject to state-level oversight by North Dakota's environmental agency, ensuring compliance with effluent limits. The treated effluent from ROSS LAGOON is discharged into local surface waters, ultimately draining into the Missouri River basin. This region is part of the Great Plains, where water resources are critical for agriculture and wildlife. The plant's discharge contributes to the hydrological cycle of the area, supporting downstream aquatic habitats.

The plant discharges into local waterways that flow into the Missouri River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River system. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for birds. The surrounding prairie ecosystem relies on these water bodies for maintaining biodiversity and agricultural productivity.