Furstenfeld Wastewater Treatment Plant, Fürstenfeld, Styria, Austria

The Furstenfeld wastewater treatment plant is located in Fürstenfeld, a town in the Styria region of Austria. It serves a population of around 38,246, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near the Rennmühlstraße area, with coordinates 47.041°N, 16.105°E. As an Austrian facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into inland waters. The regulatory framework ensures that the plant meets required standards for biological treatment and nutrient removal where necessary. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Danube River basin. The plant plays a key role in protecting the region's water quality, supporting aquatic ecosystems and downstream communities. Its location in the Styrian lowlands means the receiving waters are sensitive to nutrient inputs, making effective treatment essential.

The plant discharges into local streams that flow into the Raab River, a tributary of the Danube. The Danube basin is a major European watershed supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for millions. The region's agricultural activity and moderate climate mean that nutrient management is important to prevent eutrophication in downstream water bodies. The plant's treatment helps maintain the ecological health of these waters.