Overview
UMATAC MERIZO WWTF serves approximately 3,500 residents in Merizo, Guam. The plant operates under U.S. EPA and Guam EPA regulations for wastewater treatment in a tropical island environment.
UMATAC MERIZO WWTF is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Merizo, on the island of Guam, a U.S. territory in the western Pacific Ocean. The plant serves a population of about 3,508 residents in the southern part of the island, providing essential sanitation services to this coastal community. As a U.S. facility in Guam, the plant is subject to the Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, administered by the Guam Environmental Protection Agency. The designed capacity is 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating a modest scale appropriate for the community. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Pacific Ocean. Guam's tropical marine environment is ecologically sensitive, supporting coral reefs, seagrass beds, and diverse marine life. Proper wastewater treatment is critical to prevent nutrient pollution and protect the island's coastal ecosystems and tourism-dependent economy.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the southern Guam watershed, which flows into the Pacific Ocean via small coastal streams and groundwater. The receiving waters include the Merizo coastal area, part of the larger Marianas Trench Marine National Monument region. This tropical marine environment supports coral reefs, seagrass beds, and endangered sea turtles. Nutrient and pathogen control from wastewater is vital to maintain water quality for recreation and fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
UMATAC MERIZO WWTF is located in Merizo, on the island of Guam, a U.S. territory in the western Pacific Ocean. The facility is situated along West Chalan Canton Tasi in the Malesso' Municipality.
The plant serves approximately 3,508 residents in the Merizo area, making it a small-scale municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which flows into the Pacific Ocean via coastal streams and groundwater. The discharge is regulated under the Clean Water Act to protect Guam's marine environment.
As a U.S. facility in Guam, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Guam Environmental Protection Agency.
For small communities in Guam, secondary treatment is typically required to meet U.S. EPA standards. This includes biological treatment to reduce organic matter and pathogens before discharge into sensitive coastal waters.
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