Geesthacht, Geesthacht | Germany Wastewater

Overview

Geesthacht wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 35,000 people in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale.

The Geesthacht wastewater treatment plant is located in the city of Geesthacht, in the district of Herzogtum Lauenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. It serves a population of approximately 35,000, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations. As a German plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent. The plant's discharge is regulated by German water law, which implements the directive and sets additional requirements for sensitive areas. The treated effluent is discharged into the Elbe River, which flows through northern Germany into the North Sea. The Elbe is a major European waterway supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as an important migratory corridor for fish species. The plant's operation helps protect the river's water quality and downstream ecosystems.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Elbe River, which flows through Hamburg and into the North Sea. The Elbe estuary is an ecologically sensitive area that supports diverse aquatic life, including migratory fish species. The plant's treatment processes help maintain water quality in this important river system, which is subject to EU Water Framework Directive requirements.

Frequently asked questions

The plant is located at Am Schleusenkanal 38, in Geesthacht, Kreis Herzogtum Lauenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

The plant serves approximately 35,000 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.

The treated wastewater is discharged into the Elbe River, which flows through northern Germany to the North Sea.

Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent must provide secondary treatment. The Geesthacht plant, serving 35,000, falls under this requirement.

For agglomerations of around 35,000 people, German plants typically implement secondary treatment (biological treatment) as a minimum, with tertiary treatment often required in sensitive areas to reduce nutrients.