Overview
Furstenwalde wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 46,500 people in Fürstenwalde/Spree, Brandenburg, Germany. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scal
The Furstenwalde wastewater treatment plant is located in Fürstenwalde/Spree, a town in the Oder-Spree district of Brandenburg, Germany. The facility serves a population of approximately 46,500, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under European Union regulations. As a German plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for discharges into freshwater and estuaries for agglomerations above 10,000 population equivalent. For larger agglomerations in sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be required. The plant's treatment process and capacity are designed to meet these regulatory standards. The treated effluent is discharged into the Spree River, which flows through Berlin and eventually joins the Havel River, then the Elbe River, and finally the North Sea. The Spree River is an important waterway for the region, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing recreational and ecological value. The plant plays a key role in protecting this river system from pollution.
Environmental context
The Furstenwalde plant discharges into the Spree River, a major tributary of the Havel River, which flows into the Elbe and ultimately the North Sea. The Spree River basin supports a variety of fish species and provides habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive river system, which is also used for recreation and drinking water supply downstream.
Frequently asked questions
The Furstenwalde wastewater treatment plant is located in Fürstenwalde/Spree, in the Oder-Spree district of Brandenburg, Germany.
The plant serves approximately 46,500 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Spree River, which flows through Berlin and into the Havel, Elbe, and North Sea. It helps protect the Spree River and downstream water bodies from pollution.
Under the EU UWWTD, agglomerations over 10,000 population equivalent must provide secondary treatment. For plants in sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be required. The Furstenwalde plant is expected to meet these standards.
In Germany, plants of this scale typically provide at least secondary biological treatment, and often include nutrient removal to meet stringent EU and national water quality standards.
Nearby plants