Village of Los Lunas, Los Lunas

Overview

Village of Los Lunas wastewater treatment plant serves about 14,835 residents in Los Lunas, New Mexico. The facility operates under the US Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES permitting framework.

The Village of Los Lunas wastewater treatment plant is located in Los Lunas, New Mexico, serving a population of approximately 14,835. Situated in Valencia County, the plant is part of the municipal infrastructure for this growing community in the Middle Rio Grande Valley. As a US facility serving a medium-sized agglomeration, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the New Mexico Environment Department. For plants of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal if discharging to sensitive waters. The plant's treated effluent likely discharges to the Rio Grande or a tributary, which flows south through New Mexico and Texas, eventually contributing to the Gulf of Mexico. The Rio Grande is a critical water source for agriculture and ecosystems in the arid Southwest, making proper treatment essential for downstream water quality.

Environmental context

The plant is located in the Middle Rio Grande Basin, where the Rio Grande flows through a semi-arid landscape. The river supports diverse aquatic life and provides irrigation water for the region. Downstream, the Rio Grande continues to the Gulf of Mexico, passing through important habitats including the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Protecting water quality in this basin is vital for both ecological health and human use in a water-scarce region.

Frequently asked questions

The plant is located at 1989 Heaton Loop, Los Lunas, New Mexico, in Valencia County, approximately 20 miles south of Albuquerque.

The plant serves approximately 14,835 residents in the Village of Los Lunas and surrounding areas.

The plant likely discharges treated effluent to the Rio Grande or a nearby tributary, as the facility is located in the Rio Grande Valley.

As a US facility, the plant operates under the Clean Water Act and is regulated by an NPDES permit issued by the New Mexico Environment Department, which sets limits on pollutants to protect water quality.

For a plant of this size, secondary treatment is standard under the Clean Water Act. Depending on the receiving water's sensitivity, additional nutrient removal may be required to meet water quality standards.