ST HELENS STP, Saint Helens

Overview

ST HELENS STP serves Saint Helens, Oregon, treating municipal wastewater for approximately 14,236 residents. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act's NPDES permit program.

ST HELENS STP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Saint Helens, Oregon, serving a population of about 14,236. The facility is situated in Columbia County and is part of the region's water infrastructure. As a US-based plant, ST HELENS STP operates under the Clean Water Act, which requires NPDES permits for discharges. For a community of this size, secondary treatment is typically mandated to meet water quality standards. The plant's treatment processes are designed to comply with state and federal regulations. The plant discharges treated effluent into the Columbia River system, which flows to the Pacific Ocean. The Columbia River is a major waterway supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for irrigation, industry, and recreation. The plant's operations help protect downstream water quality and ecosystem health.

Environmental context

ST HELENS STP discharges into the Columbia River, which flows approximately 1,200 miles to the Pacific Ocean. The river supports salmon, steelhead, and other migratory fish species. The lower Columbia River estuary is an ecologically sensitive area that provides critical habitat for birds and marine life. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this important watershed.

Frequently asked questions

ST HELENS STP is located on South 6th Street in Saint Helens, Oregon, United States.

The plant serves approximately 14,236 people in the Saint Helens area.

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

As a US plant, ST HELENS STP operates under the Clean Water Act and is required to have an NPDES permit issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

Plants of this size typically provide secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting EPA standards.