Overview
Overath Lehmbach wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 17,000 people in Rösrath, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this siz
Overath Lehmbach is a wastewater treatment plant located in the Forsbach district of Rösrath, within the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The plant serves a population of approximately 17,044, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. Its location in the Bergisches Land region places it in a hilly, forested area east of Cologne. As a German plant serving over 10,000 people, Overath Lehmbach is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary biological treatment for all discharges from agglomerations of this scale. German implementation of the directive, via the Abwasserverordnung (Wastewater Ordinance), further specifies effluent limits for parameters such as BOD, COD, and nitrogen. The plant's treatment process and capacity details are not publicly available, but the regulatory framework ensures a minimum of secondary treatment to protect receiving waters. The treated effluent from Overath Lehmbach ultimately discharges into the local watershed, which drains via the Sülz River into the Agger, then the Sieg, and finally the Rhine River. The Rhine is a major European waterway and ecologically significant corridor. The plant's operations contribute to maintaining water quality in this sensitive river system, supporting aquatic life and downstream uses including drinking water abstraction and recreation.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent enters the local stream network, which flows into the Sülz River, a tributary of the Agger. The Agger joins the Sieg, which discharges into the Rhine River approximately 50 kilometers downstream. The Rhine is a vital ecological corridor for migratory fish such as salmon and eel, and supports diverse aquatic habitats. The Bergisches Land region is characterized by low mountain ranges and mixed forests, contributing to a relatively high runoff and sensitive stream ecosystems. Effective wastewater treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect the Rhine's water quality.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 1 Zechenhäuschen in the Forsbach district of Rösrath, in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
The plant serves approximately 17,044 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local stream network, which drains into the Sülz River, then the Agger, Sieg, and ultimately the Rhine River.
As a German plant serving over 10,000 people, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment. German national regulations (Abwasserverordnung) set specific effluent limits.
Under the EU UWWTD, agglomerations between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent require at least secondary biological treatment. German plants often implement enhanced treatment with nutrient removal to meet strict water quality standards.
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