Salmon Creek STP, Clark County

Overview

Salmon Creek STP serves Clark County, Washington, treating wastewater for approximately 90,000 residents. The plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act, with discharge likely to the Columbia River basin.

Salmon Creek STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Clark County, Washington, serving a population of about 90,000. The facility is situated in the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its abundant rainfall and sensitive aquatic ecosystems. As a medium-to-large agglomeration, the plant plays a key role in protecting local water quality. Under the U. S. Clean Water Act, plants of this scale are typically required to meet secondary treatment standards through National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology. These permits set effluent limits for biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and nutrients to safeguard receiving waters. The plant's treated effluent likely discharges into a tributary of the Columbia River, which flows to the Pacific Ocean. The Columbia River basin supports critical salmon runs and diverse aquatic life, making effective wastewater treatment essential for maintaining ecological health and meeting tribal and recreational water quality goals.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Columbia River watershed, which drains to the Pacific Ocean. This basin supports endangered salmon and steelhead populations, making nutrient and pollutant control vital. The region's high rainfall can increase stormwater inflow, challenging treatment capacity during wet weather.

Frequently asked questions

Salmon Creek STP is located at 15192 Northwest McCann Road in Felida, Clark County, Washington, United States.

The plant serves approximately 90,000 residents in the Clark County area.

The plant discharges treated effluent into a tributary of the Columbia River, which flows to the Pacific Ocean.

The plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act, with NPDES permits issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Plants of this scale typically provide secondary treatment, including biological processes, and may incorporate nutrient removal to meet water quality standards.