Overview
Gescher Harwick wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 18,000 people in Gescher, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size
The Gescher Harwick wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Gescher, in the district of Borken, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The plant serves a population of approximately 18,000 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. 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 waters are designated as sensitive areas. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into local watercourses that eventually drain into the Rhine River basin. The Rhine is a major European waterway supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and providing drinking water for millions. Proper treatment is essential to protect water quality and ecological health downstream.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into local streams that are part of the Rhine River basin. The Rhine flows through Germany and the Netherlands before reaching the North Sea, supporting a wide range of aquatic life and serving as a critical migratory corridor for fish. The region's agricultural and industrial activities place additional demands on water quality, making effective wastewater treatment vital for maintaining the ecological balance of the watershed.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at Harwick 9, in Gescher, Kreis Borken, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
The plant serves approximately 18,049 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that are part of the Rhine River basin, which ultimately flows into the North Sea.
As a German plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent are required to provide at least secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas.
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