Overview
Windeck Herchen wastewater treatment plant in Windeck, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, provides advanced treatment for a population of 2,975. It discharges treated water into local waterways, supporting the Sieg River basin.
The Windeck Herchen wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Windeck, within the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It serves a population of approximately 2,975 residents, making it a small-scale municipal facility in a rural setting. As an advanced treatment plant, it goes beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants, meeting stringent German and EU standards. The plant has a designed capacity of 4,400 cubic meters per day, with an average discharge volume of 496.8 cubic meters per day, indicating ample reserve capacity. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), small agglomerations like this are required to provide appropriate treatment, and the advanced level ensures protection of sensitive receiving waters. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into local streams that flow into the Sieg River, a tributary of the Rhine. The Sieg River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor in the region. The advanced treatment helps maintain water quality in this sensitive watershed, which ultimately drains into the North Sea via the Rhine.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Sieg River basin, a tributary of the Rhine River. The Sieg River supports diverse aquatic ecosystems, including fish species such as salmon and trout, and is an important migratory corridor. The Rhine eventually flows into the North Sea, making nutrient and pollutant removal critical for downstream marine environments. Advanced treatment at this plant helps reduce eutrophication risks in the river and coastal waters.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Herchen, a district of Windeck, in the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis district of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
The plant serves approximately 2,975 residents, classifying it as a small agglomeration under EU regulations.
The plant discharges treated effluent into local streams that flow into the Sieg River, a tributary of the Rhine River, which ultimately reaches the North Sea.
The plant provides advanced treatment, which includes nutrient removal beyond secondary treatment, meeting strict German and EU standards for sensitive water bodies.
Under the EU UWWTD, small agglomerations (under 10,000 population equivalent) require appropriate treatment. The advanced treatment at Windeck Herchen exceeds the minimum secondary treatment requirement, ensuring protection of the Sieg River basin.
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