Overview
ST VRAIN SD is a municipal wastewater treatment plant serving Weld County, Colorado, USA. It treats wastewater for approximately 28,000 residents under the US Clean Water Act framework.
ST VRAIN SD is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Weld County, Colorado, United States. The facility serves a population of approximately 28,129 residents, placing it in the medium-sized agglomeration category for US wastewater infrastructure. As a Colorado Front Range plant, it operates in a semi-arid climate where water reuse and discharge quality are critical for local water resources. The plant operates under the US Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for all point source discharges. For a facility of this scale, typical treatment includes secondary biological processes to meet effluent limits set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The plant's design capacity and specific treatment processes are managed to comply with state and federal regulations. The treated effluent from ST VRAIN SD ultimately discharges into the South Platte River basin, which flows through Colorado and Nebraska before joining the Platte River. This watershed supports agricultural irrigation, municipal water supplies, and diverse aquatic habitats. Proper treatment at this plant helps protect downstream water quality in the South Platte River system.
Environmental context
ST VRAIN SD discharges into the South Platte River basin, a critical water source for Colorado's Front Range. The river flows through agricultural and urban areas before joining the Platte River in Nebraska. The watershed supports fish species such as rainbow trout and channel catfish, and its water is used for irrigation and drinking water supply. Effective wastewater treatment is essential to maintain water quality in this semi-arid region where water resources are heavily utilized.
Frequently asked questions
ST VRAIN SD is located on County Road 15 in Weld County, Colorado, United States. It serves the surrounding communities in Weld County.
ST VRAIN SD serves approximately 28,129 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment plant.
ST VRAIN SD discharges treated effluent into the South Platte River basin, which flows through Colorado and Nebraska. The discharge is regulated under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
ST VRAIN SD operates under the US Clean Water Act, which requires NPDES permits for wastewater discharges. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment oversees permit compliance and sets effluent limits to protect water quality.
For a plant of this size in Colorado, typical treatment includes primary sedimentation followed by secondary biological treatment (e.g., activated sludge or trickling filters) to meet state and federal effluent standards. Disinfection may also be required to protect recreational uses.
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