Overview
Walla Walla STP serves approximately 31,670 residents in Walla Walla, Washington. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, ultimately draining to the Columbia River basin.
Walla Walla STP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Walla Walla, Washington, serving a population of around 31,670. The plant is part of the city's infrastructure managed by local authorities and operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Clean Water Act. As a medium-sized agglomeration, the plant is expected to provide secondary treatment as a minimum standard under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The facility is subject to state and federal regulations ensuring effluent quality meets environmental standards. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Walla Walla River, a tributary of the Columbia River. The Columbia River basin supports diverse aquatic life, including salmon runs, and is a critical water resource for the Pacific Northwest. The plant's operations are important for protecting downstream water quality and ecosystem health.
Environmental context
The Walla Walla STP discharges into the Walla Walla River, which flows into the Columbia River, one of the largest river systems in North America. The Columbia River basin supports a variety of fish species, including endangered salmon and steelhead, and provides habitat for migratory birds. The plant's effluent management is crucial for maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive watershed.
Frequently asked questions
Walla Walla STP is located in Walla Walla, Walla Walla County, Washington, United States.
The plant serves approximately 31,670 residents in the Walla Walla area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Walla Walla River, which flows into the Columbia River.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act and is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
For a medium-sized agglomeration like this, secondary treatment is the minimum standard under the Clean Water Act, often including biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
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