Oberes Kremstal Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ried im Traunkreis, Austria

Oberes Kremstal is a wastewater treatment plant located in Penzendorf, Ried im Traunkreis, in the district of Kirchdorf, Oberösterreich, Austria. The plant serves a population equivalent of 24,416, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. As an Austrian facility, Oberes Kremstal operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The regulatory framework ensures compliance with European standards. The treated effluent from Oberes Kremstal is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Danube River basin. The Danube is a major European waterway that flows into the Black Sea, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and providing water for millions of people. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in this important river system.

The plant discharges into the local watershed, which is part of the Danube River basin. The Danube flows through multiple countries before reaching the Black Sea, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing critical habitat for migratory fish species. The region's water quality is influenced by agricultural and urban runoff, making effective wastewater treatment essential for maintaining ecological balance.