Overview
Harelbeke wastewater treatment plant serves Kuurne, Belgium, with a population equivalent of 115,500. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, ensuring compliance with secondary treatment standards.
The Harelbeke wastewater treatment plant is located in Kuurne, within the province of West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Serving a population equivalent of 115,500, it is classified as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is part of the municipal wastewater infrastructure for the region, managed by local authorities. As a large agglomeration, the plant is required to meet secondary treatment standards under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). This directive mandates that wastewater from agglomerations over 10,000 population equivalents receive appropriate treatment before discharge. The plant's design and operation align with these regulatory requirements, ensuring effective pollutant removal. The treated effluent is discharged into the Leie River, which flows through the region and eventually joins the Scheldt River before reaching the North Sea. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the water quality of the Leie and downstream ecosystems, supporting aquatic life and recreational uses. Its operation contributes to the overall health of the Scheldt basin and the North Sea coastal environment.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Leie River, a tributary of the Scheldt River, which flows through Belgium and the Netherlands before emptying into the North Sea. The Leie River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important waterway for the region. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this sensitive river system, which is subject to eutrophication risks from nutrient pollution. Downstream, the Scheldt estuary is a critical habitat for migratory birds and fish species.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 60, Luitenant-Generaal Gérardstraat in Kuurne, within the province of West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 115,500, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the Leie River, which flows into the Scheldt River and eventually reaches the North Sea.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations over 10,000 population equivalents.
Under the EU UWWTD, plants serving over 10,000 PE must provide secondary treatment. For sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be required to reduce nutrients.
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