Overview
Kirrweiler wastewater treatment plant serves the town of Kirrweiler in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It treats wastewater for approximately 14,500 residents under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Kirrweiler wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Kirrweiler, in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany. The plant serves a population of around 14,500 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. 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. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas, such as those prone to eutrophication. The plant discharges treated effluent into local watercourses that eventually drain into the Rhine River basin. The Rhine is a major European waterway supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for millions. Proper treatment helps protect this vital ecosystem from nutrient pollution and other contaminants.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent flows into small streams in the Rhine River basin, which ultimately drains into the North Sea. The region is characterized by agricultural land use, particularly vineyards, which can contribute nutrient runoff. The plant's treatment helps reduce the risk of eutrophication in downstream waters, supporting aquatic biodiversity and water quality for downstream communities.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Kirrweiler, in the district of Südliche Weinstraße, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
The plant serves approximately 14,455 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into local streams that are part of the Rhine River basin, eventually reaching the North Sea.
As a German plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which sets treatment standards based on population size and receiving water sensitivity.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, agglomerations between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent typically require secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas.
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