Overview
TACOMA CENTRAL STP 1 serves Tacoma, Washington, treating wastewater for approximately 218,000 people. The plant discharges into the Puget Sound, a vital marine ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest.
TACOMA CENTRAL STP 1 is a major wastewater treatment facility located in Tacoma, Washington, serving a population of around 218,000 residents. Situated near the Port of Tacoma, the plant plays a critical role in managing municipal wastewater for this urban area in Pierce County. As a large agglomeration serving over 100,000 people, the plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act, which requires secondary treatment for municipal wastewater discharges. The facility's designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, and it is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology, ensuring compliance with water quality standards. The treated effluent from TACOMA CENTRAL STP 1 is discharged into the Puget Sound, a large estuarine system connected to the Pacific Ocean via the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Puget Sound supports diverse marine life, including salmon, orcas, and shellfish, making the plant's treatment performance essential for protecting this ecologically sensitive water body.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Puget Sound, a major estuary in Washington that connects to the Pacific Ocean through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This water body supports critical habitats for salmon, orcas, and shellfish, and is influenced by tidal flows and freshwater inputs from surrounding watersheds. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast underscores the importance of effective treatment to prevent nutrient pollution and protect marine ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
TACOMA CENTRAL STP 1 is located in Tacoma, Washington, United States, near the Port of Tacoma in Pierce County.
The plant serves approximately 218,383 people, classifying it as a large municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Puget Sound, a major estuary that connects to the Pacific Ocean.
The plant operates under the U. S. Clean Water Act and is regulated via an NPDES permit issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology, which sets limits on pollutants to protect water quality.
Large municipal plants in the U. S. typically provide at least secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, as required by the Clean Water Act.
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