Overview
Werl Westonnen wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 16,753 people in Werl, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale.
The Werl Westonnen wastewater treatment plant is located in Werl, a town in the Soest district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The plant serves a population of approximately 16,753, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). As a German facility, the plant is subject to national regulations implementing the EU UWWTD, which requires secondary treatment for discharges into freshwater and estuaries for populations over 2,000. For agglomerations of this size, tertiary treatment may be required if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas under the directive. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Rhine River basin, which flows into the North Sea. The plant plays a key role in protecting the water quality of the region's streams and the downstream aquatic ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the local watershed, which is part of the Rhine River basin. The Rhine flows through Germany and the Netherlands before reaching the North Sea. The downstream environment supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for fish species. The region's water bodies are subject to the EU Water Framework Directive, aiming for good ecological status.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Werl, in the Soest district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
The plant serves approximately 16,753 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that are part of the Rhine River basin, ultimately flowing into the North Sea.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size, with possible tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive.
In Germany, plants of this scale typically provide at least secondary biological treatment, and often include nutrient removal (tertiary treatment) to meet stringent water quality standards under the EU Water Framework Directive.
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