Wenden, Wenden | Germany Wastewater

Overview

Wenden wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 20,000 people in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, ensuring proper treatment before discharge.

The Wenden wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Wenden, in the Olpe district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It serves a population of around 20,000 residents, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under EU classification. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalents are required to provide secondary treatment, with more stringent tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas. It is expected to meet these regulatory standards. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that eventually drain into the Rhine River basin, which flows through Germany and the Netherlands into the North Sea. The Rhine is a major European waterway supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for millions. Proper treatment at Wenden helps protect this vital ecosystem.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the local watershed that feeds into the Bigge River, a tributary of the Lenne, which joins the Ruhr and ultimately the Rhine River. The Rhine flows into the North Sea, supporting important fisheries and migratory fish species. The region's water bodies are ecologically sensitive, requiring effective nutrient removal to prevent eutrophication downstream.

Frequently asked questions

The plant is located in Wenden, in the Olpe district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

The plant serves approximately 20,228 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration.

Treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the Bigge River, part of the Rhine basin, ultimately reaching the North Sea.

As a German plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size.

Under the EU directive, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalents are required to provide secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas.