Ibbenburen Pusselburen Wastewater Treatment Plant, Hörstel, Nordrhein-Westfalen

The Ibbenburen Pusselburen wastewater treatment plant is located in Hörstel, within the Kreis Steinfurt district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It serves a population equivalent of 100,405, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its operations are part of the region's municipal wastewater infrastructure. As a large agglomeration in Germany, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment as a minimum, and tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive. The regulatory framework ensures compliance with stringent standards for nutrient removal and effluent quality. The treated effluent is discharged into local water bodies that ultimately drain into the Ems River basin, which flows into the North Sea. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the water quality of the Ems and its tributaries, supporting aquatic ecosystems and downstream communities.

The plant discharges into the Ems River basin, which flows through Nordrhein-Westfalen and Lower Saxony before reaching the North Sea. The Ems supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for fish species. The region's agricultural and industrial activities necessitate effective wastewater treatment to prevent nutrient pollution and maintain ecological balance in the river and its estuary.