Overview
Schmallenberg wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 11,000 people in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The plant discharges treated water into the local river system, contributing to the protection of the Weser basin.
The Schmallenberg wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Schmallenberg, in the Hochsauerlandkreis district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It serves a population of around 11,000 residents, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under German and EU regulations. As a German plant, Schmallenberg operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The directive also mandates more stringent treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. It is expected to meet these regulatory standards. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into a local watercourse, likely a tributary of the Werpe or Lenne rivers, which flow into the Ruhr and eventually the Rhine. This discharge supports the ecological health of the Weser basin, which is an important water resource for the region. The plant plays a key role in maintaining water quality in this densely populated and industrialized area of Germany.
Environmental context
The Schmallenberg plant discharges into a local stream that feeds into the Werpe River, a tributary of the Lenne. The Lenne flows into the Ruhr, which ultimately drains into the Rhine River and then the North Sea. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is an important corridor for migratory fish. The region's water quality is managed under the EU Water Framework Directive, which aims to achieve good ecological status for all water bodies.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Schmallenberg, in the Hochsauerlandkreis district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
The plant serves approximately 11,021 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into a local watercourse that flows into the Werpe River, part of the Lenne-Ruhr-Rhine river system, eventually reaching the North Sea.
As a German plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of its size and potentially tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive.
Plants of this scale in Germany typically provide at least secondary biological treatment, and may include nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas, as required by the EU directive.
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