Overview
Iserlohn Letmathe wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 47,000 people in Iserlohn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The facility operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Iserlohn Letmathe is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in the Letmathe district of Iserlohn, in the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The plant serves a population of approximately 47,056, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under EU regulations. As a German facility, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. Germany implements this directive through its national water legislation, with oversight from the state environmental agency of Nordrhein-Westfalen. The plant's treatment process and capacity are designed to meet these regulatory standards. The treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, which ultimately drains into the Ruhr River, a major tributary of the Rhine. The Rhine basin is one of Europe's most important river systems, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for millions. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in this densely populated and industrialized region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Ruhr River catchment, which flows into the Rhine River and eventually reaches the North Sea. The Ruhr is a vital water source for the region, supporting aquatic ecosystems and recreational use. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive basin, which is home to species such as salmon and trout.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in the Letmathe district of Iserlohn, in the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Its address is Oeger Straße, 58642 Iserlohn.
The plant serves approximately 47,056 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU wastewater treatment regulations.
The plant treats wastewater that would otherwise affect the Ruhr River, a major tributary of the Rhine. By treating the water, it helps protect the Rhine basin and the North Sea.
Under the EU UWWTD, agglomerations with a population equivalent (PE) between 10,000 and 150,000 require secondary treatment. The Iserlohn Letmathe plant, serving ~47,000 PE, must comply with this standard, ensuring effective removal of organic matter and nutrients.
In Germany, plants of this scale typically provide at least secondary biological treatment, often with nutrient removal (nitrogen and phosphorus) to meet stringent EU and national water quality standards. Many also incorporate tertiary filtration or disinfection.
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