Saalfeld Wastewater Treatment Plant, Saalfeld/Saale, Thüringen, Germany

The Saalfeld wastewater treatment plant is located in the city of Saalfeld/Saale, in the state of Thüringen, Germany. It serves a population of approximately 43,586, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near the Saale River, which flows through the region. 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 water body is in a sensitive area. The plant's treatment process and capacity are consistent with these regulatory standards. The treated effluent is discharged into the Saale River, a tributary of the Elbe River, which ultimately flows into the North Sea. The Saale River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor in central Germany. The plant's operations help protect water quality in the Saale basin and downstream environments.

The Saalfeld plant discharges into the Saale River, which flows northward to join the Elbe River near Magdeburg. The Elbe then empties into the North Sea. The Saale River basin supports a variety of fish species and aquatic habitats, and maintaining water quality is essential for the ecological health of the river and the downstream Elbe estuary. The plant's treatment processes help reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, protecting these water bodies.