Overview
KA Osterholz Scharmbeck is a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Ritterhude, Niedersachsen, Germany, serving approximately 28,000 people. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
KA Osterholz Scharmbeck is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Ritterhude, in the Landkreis Osterholz district of Niedersachsen, Germany. The plant serves a population of approximately 28,172, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under EU regulations. As a German facility, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per second or similar unit), indicating its scale. Treatment processes and operational status are consistent with standard practices for plants of this tier. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local water system, which ultimately drains into the Weser River basin. This region is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as an important corridor for migratory fish species. The plant's operations help protect the water quality of downstream environments, including the North Sea.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent flows into the Wümme River, a tributary of the Weser, which empties into the North Sea. The Weser basin supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is a critical habitat for migratory fish such as salmon and eel. Protecting water quality in this watershed is essential for maintaining ecological balance and supporting regional biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
KA Osterholz Scharmbeck is located in Ritterhude, in the Landkreis Osterholz district of Niedersachsen, Germany. Its address is Am Wümmedeich, 27721 Ritterhude.
The plant serves approximately 28,172 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU wastewater treatment regulations.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Wümme River, which flows into the Weser River and eventually reaches the North Sea.
As a German plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of its size. Compliance is enforced by German state authorities.
Under the EU UWWTD, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalents are generally required to provide secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment in sensitive areas. German plants often implement advanced treatment to meet strict water quality standards.
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