Overview
Yelm Wastewater Treat and Reclaim serves approximately 7,000 residents in North Yelm, Washington. The plant operates under U.S. Clean Water Act regulations with a designed capacity of 1.00 million gallons per day.
Yelm Wastewater Treat and Reclaim is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in North Yelm, Thurston County, Washington. Serving a population of about 7,005, the plant is part of the region's water infrastructure, supporting the community's sanitation needs. The facility is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its operations are governed by the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for discharges to surface waters. The plant has a designed capacity of 1.00 million gallons per day, indicating it is sized for a moderate-sized community. Plants of this scale in Washington typically employ secondary treatment or advanced treatment to meet state water quality standards. The facility's discharge is regulated under the NPDES permit program, administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology, ensuring compliance with federal and state environmental laws. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into a local water body that ultimately flows into the Puget Sound basin. This region supports diverse aquatic life, including salmon runs, and the plant's operations are critical to protecting downstream water quality. The facility's location in the Pacific Northwest, with its high rainfall and sensitive ecosystems, underscores the importance of effective wastewater treatment in preserving the health of the watershed.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into a tributary of the Nisqually River, which flows into the Puget Sound, an ecologically significant estuary. The Puget Sound supports diverse marine life, including salmon, orcas, and shellfish, and is a vital migratory corridor. Protecting water quality in this watershed is essential for maintaining the health of these ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in North Yelm, Thurston County, Washington, United States.
The plant serves approximately 7,005 residents in the North Yelm area.
The treated effluent is discharged into a local water body that flows into the Nisqually River and ultimately into Puget Sound.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, requiring an NPDES permit issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Plants of this scale in Washington typically use secondary treatment or advanced treatment to meet state water quality standards, especially in sensitive watersheds like Puget Sound.
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