Overview
Hückeswagen wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 38,749 people in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale.
The Hückeswagen wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Hückeswagen, in the Oberbergischer Kreis district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The plant serves a population of approximately 38,749, 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 plant's treatment processes are designed to meet these standards, ensuring effective removal of organic matter and nutrients before discharge. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the Wupper River, a tributary of the Rhine. The Rhine basin is a major European watershed, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for millions of people. The plant plays a key role in protecting the water quality of this important river system.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the local watershed, which drains into the Wupper River, a tributary of the Rhine. The Rhine is one of Europe's most important rivers, flowing through multiple countries and supporting a wide range of aquatic species, including migratory fish. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive basin, reducing nutrient loads and protecting downstream habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The Hückeswagen wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Hückeswagen, in the Oberbergischer Kreis district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
The plant serves approximately 38,749 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated effluent from the plant is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the Wupper River, a tributary of the Rhine River.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. German authorities enforce compliance through state-level permits.
Under the EU UWWTD, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent are required to provide secondary treatment. In sensitive areas, additional nutrient removal may be mandated.
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