Overview
Wachtersbach wastewater treatment plant serves Aufenau, Hessen, Germany, treating wastewater for approximately 23,511 people. The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations
The Wachtersbach wastewater treatment plant is located in Aufenau, a district of Wächtersbach in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis district of Hessen, Germany. The plant serves a population of approximately 23,511 people, 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 between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent. The plant's treatment processes are designed to meet the stringent effluent standards set by German water law, which implements the directive and includes additional national requirements for nutrient removal in sensitive areas. The treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, which ultimately drains into the Kinzig River, a tributary of the Main River, and then into the Rhine River. The Rhine basin is a major European watershed supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for millions. The plant plays a key role in protecting the water quality of this important river system.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Kinzig River, which flows into the Main River and then the Rhine River, one of Europe's most important waterways. The Rhine basin supports a rich ecosystem including migratory fish species and provides habitat for numerous aquatic organisms. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive river system, which is also used for recreation and as a drinking water source downstream.
Frequently asked questions
The Wachtersbach wastewater treatment plant is located in Aufenau, a district of Wächtersbach in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis district of Hessen, Germany.
The plant serves approximately 23,511 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, which flows into the Kinzig River, a tributary of the Main River, and eventually into the Rhine River.
As a German facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size, and is implemented through German water law.
For agglomerations between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent, the EU directive mandates secondary treatment. In Germany, plants often include additional nutrient removal to meet strict water quality standards, especially in sensitive areas like the Rhine basin.
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