Overview
Silver Lake STP serves Del Rio, Texas, treating wastewater for approximately 16,810 residents. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act's NPDES permitting program.
Silver Lake STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Del Rio, Texas, serving a population of about 16,810 people. The facility is situated in Val Verde County, near the Rio Grande, which forms the border with Mexico. As a U.S. plant of this scale, it operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The Clean Water Act requires secondary treatment for municipal plants, and facilities serving populations over 10,000 typically have advanced treatment to meet water quality standards. The plant's treated effluent likely discharges into the Rio Grande or a tributary, which flows southeast to the Gulf of Mexico. The Rio Grande is a critical water source for agriculture and ecosystems in the arid region, supporting diverse aquatic life and migratory birds.
Environmental context
The plant's receiving water body is likely the Rio Grande, which flows through the Chihuahuan Desert and eventually empties into the Gulf of Mexico. This river supports a fragile ecosystem, including endangered species like the Rio Grande silvery minnow. Downstream, the river provides irrigation water for the Lower Rio Grande Valley and sustains important wetland habitats.
Frequently asked questions
Silver Lake STP is located at 1000 Frontera Road in Del Rio, Texas, United States. It serves the Del Rio area in Val Verde County.
The plant serves approximately 16,810 people, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The plant likely discharges treated effluent into the Rio Grande or a nearby tributary, which flows to the Gulf of Mexico. The exact discharge point is managed under its NPDES permit.
Silver Lake STP operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, enforced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) through the NPDES permit program. This requires secondary treatment and compliance with water quality standards.
Plants of this size in the U.S. typically provide secondary treatment (biological treatment) and may include disinfection. Larger facilities often incorporate advanced treatment to meet nutrient limits or protect sensitive water bodies.
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