Spokane Riverside Park POTW - Major Wastewater Treatment Plant in Spokane, Washington

Spokane Riverside Park POTW is a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) located in Spokane, Washington, serving a population of approximately 361,098. The plant is situated along the Spokane River and plays a critical role in managing municipal wastewater for the Spokane metropolitan area. As a large-scale facility serving over 100,000 people, the plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment as a minimum standard for such facilities. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology, governs its discharge limits and monitoring requirements to protect water quality. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Spokane River, which flows westward through eastern Washington, eventually joining the Columbia River. The Columbia River system is a vital ecological and economic resource, supporting salmon runs, irrigation, and hydropower. The plant's operations are essential for maintaining the health of this downstream watershed.

The Spokane River flows through the city of Spokane and eventually joins the Columbia River, one of the largest river systems in the Pacific Northwest. The river supports diverse aquatic life, including several salmonid species, and is an important migratory corridor. The plant's discharge must meet stringent water quality standards to protect these ecological values, particularly given the river's use for recreation and as a drinking water source downstream.