Overview
Obergunzburg wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 12,000 people in Bavaria, Germany. It discharges into the local watershed within the Danube basin.
The Obergunzburg wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Obergünzburg in the Bavarian district of Ostallgäu, Germany. It serves a population of around 12,114, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under European Union standards. As a German facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The plant's treatment processes and capacity are designed to meet these regulatory standards, ensuring compliance with national and EU water quality objectives. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the Danube River basin, ultimately reaching the Black Sea. The plant plays a key role in protecting the region's aquatic ecosystems, including the sensitive Alpine foothill streams and the downstream Danube floodplains.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into small streams that feed into the Wertach River, a tributary of the Lech, which flows into the Danube. The Danube basin supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for fish species. The region's Alpine hydrology means streams are sensitive to nutrient loading, making effective wastewater treatment critical for maintaining water quality.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Obergünzburg, a town in the district of Ostallgäu in Bavaria, Germany.
The plant serves approximately 12,114 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU definitions.
Treated effluent is discharged into local streams that flow into the Wertach River, part of the Danube River basin.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size.
German plants of this scale typically provide secondary treatment, often with nutrient removal, to meet EU and national water quality standards.
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