VAUGHN SEWAGE PONDS, Vaughn

Overview

VAUGHN SEWAGE PONDS serves Vaughn, New Mexico, with secondary treatment for a population of 890. The plant discharges 189.27 megaliters annually into the local watershed.

VAUGHN SEWAGE PONDS is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Vaughn, New Mexico, United States. The plant serves a small population of 890 residents, providing secondary treatment to meet state and federal standards. It operates as a lagoon-based system typical of small communities in arid regions. The plant has a designed capacity of 189.27 megaliters per year and discharges a similar volume of treated wastewater. As a secondary treatment facility, it removes organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. Under the U.S. Clean Water Act, such plants must comply with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the New Mexico Environment Department. The treated effluent is released into the local watershed, which drains into the Pecos River basin. This arid region relies on careful water management to protect downstream ecosystems and groundwater resources. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in a state where water scarcity is a significant concern.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Pecos River basin, a vital waterway in eastern New Mexico that flows into Texas and eventually the Rio Grande. The region's semi-arid climate means that even small discharges support local riparian habitats and agricultural water supplies. Protecting water quality in this basin is essential for maintaining biodiversity and meeting downstream water rights.

Frequently asked questions

VAUGHN SEWAGE PONDS is located in Vaughn, Guadalupe County, New Mexico, United States. The facility is situated near Saint Mary Catholic Church on 8th Street.

The plant serves a population of approximately 890 residents in the small community of Vaughn, New Mexico.

The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, which drains into the Pecos River basin. The discharge volume is about 189.27 megaliters per year.

The plant provides secondary treatment, which removes organic matter and suspended solids. This is the standard required for municipal wastewater under the U.S. Clean Water Act.

As a U.S. facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and must comply with an NPDES permit issued by the New Mexico Environment Department. The permit sets limits on effluent quality to protect receiving waters.