Overview
Erlensee-Ruckingen wastewater treatment plant serves Langendiebach, Hessen, Germany, treating wastewater for approximately 27,000 people. The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The Erlensee-Ruckingen wastewater treatment plant is located in Langendiebach, a district of Erlensee in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis of Hessen, Germany. It serves a population of approximately 27,000 people, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under EU classification. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and discharges into the local river system. 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. Germany implements this directive through national legislation, and the plant likely employs biological treatment processes to meet effluent standards. Typical plants of this scale use activated sludge or similar technologies. The treated effluent is discharged into the Kinzig River, a tributary of the Main River, which flows into the Rhine River and eventually the North Sea. The plant plays a key role in protecting the Kinzig watershed from nutrient pollution and organic loads, supporting aquatic life and downstream water quality in the Rhine basin.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Kinzig River, a tributary of the Main River, which flows into the Rhine River and ultimately the North Sea. The Kinzig watershed supports diverse aquatic ecosystems, including fish species such as grayling and barbel. The plant's nutrient removal helps prevent eutrophication in the Rhine and North Sea, contributing to the ecological health of these water bodies.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Langendiebach, a district of Erlensee in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Hessen, Germany, on Hanauer Weg.
The plant serves approximately 27,000 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated effluent is discharged into the Kinzig River, a tributary of the Main River, which flows into the Rhine and eventually the North Sea.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 10,000 population equivalent.
Plants of this scale in Germany typically use biological treatment processes such as activated sludge, often with nutrient removal to meet EU standards for sensitive areas.
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