Overview
Olbernhau wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 18,500 people in Saxony, Germany. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale.
The Olbernhau wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Olbernhau, in the Erzgebirgskreis district of Saxony, Germany. It serves a population of approximately 18,500 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. As a German facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations with a population equivalent between 10,000 and 150,000. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, which ultimately drains into the Flöha River, a tributary of the Zschopau River, and then into the Freiberger Mulde, part of the Elbe River basin. The Elbe flows into the North Sea, making this plant part of a transboundary river system that supports diverse aquatic life and important migratory corridors.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Flöha River, which flows into the Zschopau, then the Freiberger Mulde, and finally the Elbe River, which empties into the North Sea. This watershed supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is an important migratory corridor for fish species. The region's moderate climate and forested terrain influence runoff patterns and water quality.
Frequently asked questions
The Olbernhau wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Olbernhau, in the Erzgebirgskreis district of Saxony, Germany.
The plant serves approximately 18,500 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, which drains into the Flöha River, a tributary of the Zschopau River, and eventually into the Elbe River and the North Sea.
As a German facility serving over 10,000 people, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment and potentially advanced treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive.
In Germany, plants of this scale typically provide at least secondary biological treatment, often with nutrient removal to meet EU standards for sensitive areas.
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