Overview
KA Harlesiel is an advanced wastewater treatment plant in Wittmund, Niedersachsen, Germany, serving 5,043 people with a designed capacity of 13,500 m³/day and a discharge volume of 614.55 m³/day.
KA Harlesiel is an advanced wastewater treatment plant located in the Harlesiel district of Wittmund, in the state of Niedersachsen, Germany. The plant serves a population of approximately 5,043 and has a designed capacity of 13,500 m³/day, with an actual discharge volume of 614.55 m³/day, indicating significant reserve capacity. As an advanced treatment facility, KA Harlesiel goes beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which is typical for plants discharging into sensitive environments. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), agglomerations of this size (5,043 population equivalent) are required to provide secondary treatment, but the advanced level here suggests the receiving water body may be classified as a sensitive area. The plant is located within 10 km of the North Sea coast, making its discharge potentially impactful on coastal water quality. The treated effluent likely flows into the North Sea via local drainage channels or the Harle river system, supporting the ecological health of the Wadden Sea, a critical habitat for migratory birds and marine life.
Environmental context
KA Harlesiel discharges into the North Sea coastal zone, specifically the Wadden Sea area, which is a shallow tidal basin of high ecological importance. The Wadden Sea supports diverse aquatic life, including fish nurseries and migratory bird populations. The advanced treatment level helps minimize nutrient loading, protecting against eutrophication in this sensitive marine environment.
Frequently asked questions
KA Harlesiel is located in the Harlesiel district of Wittmund, in the state of Niedersachsen, Germany.
The plant serves a population of approximately 5,043 people.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the North Sea coastal zone, likely via local drainage channels or the Harle river system, contributing to the Wadden Sea ecosystem.
KA Harlesiel provides advanced treatment, which includes nutrient removal beyond secondary treatment, in line with EU standards for sensitive areas.
Under the EU UWWTD, agglomerations of 5,043 population equivalent require secondary treatment. The advanced treatment at KA Harlesiel exceeds this requirement, likely due to the sensitivity of the North Sea coastal receiving waters.
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