Olfen, Olfen | Germany Wastewater

Overview

Olfen wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 12,000 residents in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, ensuring proper treatment before discharge.

The Olfen wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Olfen, in the Kreis Coesfeld district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It serves a population of around 12,000 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. As a German plant, Olfen is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The plant's treatment processes are designed to meet these standards, ensuring effective removal of pollutants before discharge. The treated effluent is released into local watercourses that drain into the Lippe River, a tributary of the Rhine. The Rhine basin supports diverse aquatic life and is a critical water resource for the region. The plant plays a key role in protecting downstream water quality and the ecological health of the Lippe and Rhine rivers.

Environmental context

The Olfen plant discharges into local streams that flow into the Lippe River, which eventually joins the Rhine River. The Rhine is one of Europe's major waterways, supporting a wide range of fish species and migratory birds. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive river system, which is important for both biodiversity and human use.

Frequently asked questions

The Olfen plant is located in Krähenbusch, Olfen, in the Kreis Coesfeld district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

The plant serves approximately 12,006 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.

The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the Lippe River, a tributary of the Rhine River.

Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), plants serving agglomerations of this size are required to provide secondary treatment. The Olfen plant is designed to meet these standards.

In Germany, plants of this scale typically employ secondary treatment, including biological processes, to reduce organic matter and nutrients before discharge, in compliance with EU directives.