Overview
Susanville Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility serves Susanville, California, treating municipal wastewater for approximately 16,800 residents. The plant discharges into the local watershed within the Great Basin region.
The Susanville Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Susanville, Lassen County, California. Serving a population of approximately 16,814, the plant is a key component of the city's infrastructure, managing wastewater from residential and commercial sources in this inland community. As a US-based facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for discharges. The plant's design and operations are overseen by state and local authorities to ensure compliance with water quality standards. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which drains into the Great Basin, a vast endorheic basin that does not reach the ocean. The receiving waters support regional ecosystems, including riparian habitats and wildlife that depend on the area's limited water resources. The plant's performance is critical for protecting downstream water quality and the ecological health of the surrounding arid environment.
Environmental context
The Susanville Regional WWTF discharges into the Susan River, a tributary of the Honey Lake Basin, which is part of the Great Basin's closed drainage system. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and migratory birds in a semi-arid region where water resources are scarce. The plant's operations are vital for maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive area, where any pollution could impact local wildlife and recreational uses.
Frequently asked questions
The Susanville Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility is located on Fairgrounds Road in Susanville, Lassen County, California, United States.
The plant serves approximately 16,814 residents, representing a medium-sized agglomeration in the region.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Susan River, which flows into the Honey Lake Basin, part of the Great Basin's closed drainage system.
As a US municipal wastewater plant, it operates under the Clean Water Act, requiring an NPDES permit issued by the state or EPA to regulate discharges and ensure water quality standards are met.
For a plant of this scale in California, secondary treatment is typically required under the Clean Water Act, with possible additional nutrient removal if the receiving waters are sensitive.
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