Overview
WENATCHEE POTW serves approximately 32,090 people in Wenatchee, Washington. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Columbia River basin, supporting local water quality and downstream ecosystems.
WENATCHEE POTW is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Wenatchee, Chelan County, Washington, along the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail. The plant serves an estimated population of 32,090, placing it in the medium-agglomeration category under U.S. regulatory frameworks. As a facility operating under the U.S. Clean Water Act, WENATCHEE POTW is subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, which sets effluent limits to protect receiving water quality. The plant's treated effluent discharges into the Columbia River basin, a major waterway that flows through Washington and Oregon before reaching the Pacific Ocean. The Columbia River supports diverse aquatic life, including salmon runs, and is a critical resource for irrigation, recreation, and hydropower. Proper treatment at WENATCHEE POTW helps maintain water quality in this ecologically and economically significant river system.
Environmental context
WENATCHEE POTW discharges into the Columbia River basin, which ultimately drains to the Pacific Ocean via the Columbia River estuary. The Columbia River is a vital ecological corridor supporting salmon, steelhead, and other native fish species. The plant's operations contribute to maintaining water quality in a watershed that faces pressures from agriculture, urban runoff, and hydroelectric development.
Frequently asked questions
WENATCHEE POTW is located along the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail in Wenatchee, Chelan County, Washington, United States.
The plant serves approximately 32,090 people, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Columbia River basin, which flows through Washington and Oregon to the Pacific Ocean.
As a U.S. municipal plant, WENATCHEE POTW operates under the Clean Water Act and is required to have an NPDES permit that sets effluent limits to protect water quality in the Columbia River.
Under the Clean Water Act, plants serving populations of this scale are typically required to provide secondary treatment, which removes at least 85% of organic matter and suspended solids.
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