Overview
Hutthurm wastewater treatment plant serves the Kalteneck area in Bavaria, Germany, treating wastewater for approximately 15,950 people. The plant discharges into the Ilz River, a tributary of the Danube.
The Hutthurm wastewater treatment plant is located in Kalteneck, a district of Hutthurm in the Bavarian county of Passau, Germany. It serves a population of approximately 15,950 people, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under EU regulations. The plant is situated along the Ilz River, which flows through the region before joining the Danube. As a German plant serving a population between 10,000 and 100,000, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC. This directive requires secondary treatment for such agglomerations, with tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are in sensitive areas. The plant's treatment processes are designed to meet these standards, ensuring compliance with national and European water quality regulations. The treated effluent is discharged into the Ilz River, which flows into the Danube near Passau. The Danube is a major European waterway that ultimately reaches the Black Sea. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the Ilz's aquatic ecosystem, which supports diverse fish populations and serves as a habitat for various species. By maintaining high treatment standards, the plant helps preserve water quality downstream.
Environmental context
The Hutthurm plant discharges into the Ilz River, a tributary of the Danube River. The Ilz is known for its relatively natural state and supports a diverse aquatic ecosystem, including fish species such as grayling and brown trout. The Danube, into which the Ilz flows, is a major European river that traverses multiple countries before reaching the Black Sea. The plant's operations are critical for maintaining water quality in this sensitive river system, particularly given the ecological importance of the Danube basin.
Frequently asked questions
The Hutthurm wastewater treatment plant is located in Kalteneck, a district of Hutthurm, in the Bavarian county of Passau, Germany. It is situated along the Ilz River.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Ilz River, which is a tributary of the Danube River. The Danube ultimately flows into the Black Sea.
The plant protects the Ilz River and the downstream Danube River by treating wastewater before discharge, helping to maintain water quality and aquatic habitats.
As a plant serving approximately 15,950 people, it falls under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. If the receiving waters are sensitive, tertiary treatment may also be required.
In Germany, plants serving around 16,000 people typically employ secondary biological treatment, often with nutrient removal to meet EU standards. Many also include tertiary treatment for phosphorus and nitrogen reduction to protect sensitive water bodies.
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