Overview
Altena wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 20,000 people in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, ensuring compliance with secondary treatment standards.
The Altena wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Altena, in the Märkischer Kreis district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It serves a population of around 20,066, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated in the hilly terrain of the Sauerland region, near the Lenne River. As a German facility, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. Germany implements this directive through its national wastewater ordinances, requiring advanced treatment in sensitive areas. The plant's treatment processes are designed to meet these stringent standards, protecting local water quality. The treated effluent is discharged into the Lenne River, a tributary of the Ruhr, which flows into the Rhine and ultimately the North Sea. This river system supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor. The plant plays a key role in maintaining the health of the Lenne watershed, preventing nutrient pollution and safeguarding downstream ecosystems.
Environmental context
The Altena plant discharges into the Lenne River, which flows into the Ruhr and then the Rhine, eventually reaching the North Sea. The Lenne watershed is ecologically sensitive, supporting fish species such as brown trout and grayling. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this important river system, which is used for recreation and drinking water supply downstream.
Frequently asked questions
The Altena wastewater treatment plant is located in Altena, in the Märkischer Kreis district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It serves the local population of approximately 20,000 residents.
The Altena plant serves a population of about 20,066 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The Altena plant discharges treated wastewater into the Lenne River, a tributary of the Ruhr. This river system flows into the Rhine and eventually the North Sea, so the plant helps protect water quality across multiple watersheds.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), agglomerations with a population equivalent over 15,000 must have secondary treatment. The Altena plant, serving over 20,000 people, complies with this requirement, and Germany's national regulations may also mandate tertiary treatment in sensitive areas.
In Germany, wastewater treatment plants serving around 20,000 people typically provide at least secondary (biological) treatment, often with nutrient removal to meet strict EU and national standards. Many plants also incorporate advanced treatment steps to protect sensitive water bodies like the Lenne River.
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