Overview
Gernsheim wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 15,000 people in Hessen, Germany. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size.
The Gernsheim wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Gernsheim, in the state of Hessen, Germany. It serves a population of around 15,166 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near the Rhine River, a major European waterway. As a German facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations with a population equivalent between 10,000 and 150,000. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving water body is in a sensitive area. The plant's treatment processes are designed to meet these standards, ensuring compliance with national and EU regulations. The treated effluent is discharged into the Rhine River basin, which flows through Germany and the Netherlands before reaching the North Sea. The Rhine supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in this internationally significant river system.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Rhine River basin, which drains into the North Sea via the Netherlands. The Rhine is a major European river supporting diverse fish species, including salmon and eel, and serves as a critical migratory corridor. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive watershed, which is subject to EU water framework directives.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Gernsheim, in the state of Hessen, Germany, near the Rhine River.
The plant serves approximately 15,166 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Rhine River basin, which flows through Germany and the Netherlands to the North Sea.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size and may require advanced treatment if the receiving water is sensitive.
Under the EU UWWTD, plants serving 10,000 to 150,000 population equivalent must provide secondary treatment. In Germany, many such plants also implement nutrient removal to meet strict water quality standards for the Rhine basin.
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