Snoqualmie Pass UD Treatment, Hyak

Overview

Snoqualmie Pass UD Treatment is a secondary treatment plant in Hyak, Washington, serving about 1,985 people. It discharges 711.66 million gallons per year into the local watershed.

Snoqualmie Pass UD Treatment is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Hyak, Washington, within Kittitas County. The plant serves a small community of approximately 1,985 residents, providing secondary treatment to meet state and federal water quality standards. The facility has a designed capacity of 1,393.03 million gallons per year and currently treats an average discharge volume of 711.66 million gallons annually. As a secondary treatment plant, it employs biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, complying with the U.S. Clean Water Act requirements for such facilities. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Yakima River basin. This region is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for downstream communities. The plant's operations are crucial for protecting water quality in this mountainous area.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Yakima River basin, a major tributary of the Columbia River. The watershed supports salmonid species and other cold-water fish, making nutrient and pollutant control essential. The surrounding area includes forested headwaters that feed into Keechelus Lake, a key water source for the region.

Frequently asked questions

The plant is located on Keechelus Boat Launch Road in Hyak, Kittitas County, Washington, United States.

The plant serves approximately 1,985 residents in the Snoqualmie Pass area.

The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which flows into the Yakima River basin and ultimately the Columbia River.

The plant provides secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting U.S. Clean Water Act standards.

As a U.S. facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act, requiring NPDES permits for discharge. Secondary treatment is the minimum standard for municipal plants of this size.