Overview
Oberes Alftal GKA Schalkenmehren is a wastewater treatment plant in Mehren, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, serving approximately 6,470 people. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Oberes Alftal GKA Schalkenmehren is a wastewater treatment plant located in Mehren, within the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The plant serves a population of around 6,470, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration 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 discharging into freshwater. The plant's treatment processes are designed to meet these standards, ensuring compliance with national and European water quality goals. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into local water bodies that ultimately drain into the Rhine River basin. The Vulkaneifel region is characterized by volcanic lakes and sensitive aquatic ecosystems, making proper wastewater treatment essential for protecting biodiversity and water quality in the area.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the local watershed, which is part of the Rhine River basin. The Vulkaneifel region features numerous maar lakes and streams that support diverse aquatic life. Downstream, the waters flow into the Moselle River and eventually the Rhine, which is a major European waterway. Protecting these waters from nutrient pollution is critical for maintaining ecological balance and supporting migratory fish populations.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Mehren, in the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
The plant serves approximately 6,470 people, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated wastewater is discharged into local water bodies that are part of the Rhine River basin, eventually reaching the Moselle and Rhine rivers.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into freshwater.
In Germany, plants of this scale typically provide secondary treatment (biological treatment) to meet EU standards, with some employing additional nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas.
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