Overview
Gemeinde Grosskirchheim is an advanced wastewater treatment plant in Großkirchheim, Kärnten, Austria, serving 1,654 people with a discharge volume of 217.54 units.
Gemeinde Grosskirchheim is a wastewater treatment plant located in the municipality of Großkirchheim, in the state of Kärnten (Carinthia), Austria. Situated in the Alpine region near the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the plant serves a small population of 1,654 residents, reflecting the rural character of the area. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the secondary treatment required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. Its designed capacity is 2,250 units, with an actual discharge volume of 217.54 units, indicating ample reserve capacity. The plant operates under Austrian national regulations that implement EU directives, ensuring high environmental standards. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Drava River basin, part of the Danube River system. This region is ecologically sensitive due to its Alpine environment, supporting diverse aquatic life and contributing to the water quality of downstream ecosystems. The advanced treatment helps protect these waters from nutrient pollution and other contaminants.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge flows into the Drava River basin, which is part of the larger Danube River system that drains into the Black Sea. The Alpine watershed is characterized by steep gradients and sensitive aquatic habitats, including cold-water fish species. Advanced treatment at this plant helps maintain water quality in this ecologically important region, reducing nutrient loads that could otherwise impact downstream lakes and wetlands.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Großkirchheim, in the state of Kärnten (Carinthia), Austria, near the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
The plant serves approximately 1,654 residents of the municipality of Großkirchheim.
The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the Drava River basin, part of the Danube River system.
As a small agglomeration (under 2,000 population equivalent), the plant is subject to EU Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires appropriate treatment. The plant provides advanced treatment, exceeding the minimum secondary treatment standard.
In Austria, small plants often use mechanical-biological treatment with nutrient removal. Advanced treatment, as employed here, is common in sensitive Alpine areas to protect water quality.
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