Overview
Athenry Waste Water Treatment Plant serves County Galway, Ireland, treating wastewater for approximately 5,172 people. The plant operates under Ireland's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Athenry Waste Water Treatment Plant is a municipal facility located in County Galway, Ireland, serving the local population of approximately 5,172 people. The plant is situated in the Athenry-Oranmore Municipal District and plays a key role in managing wastewater from the town of Athenry and surrounding areas. As a plant serving a population equivalent of around 5,000, it falls under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for discharges to freshwater and estuaries. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in thousand cubic meters per day or similar units), indicating it is sized for the local community's needs. The treated effluent is discharged into the local water environment, ultimately contributing to the Galway Bay catchment area. This region supports diverse aquatic life and is important for local biodiversity. Proper treatment helps protect water quality in downstream rivers and coastal areas.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the local river system, which flows into Galway Bay, a significant coastal inlet on Ireland's west coast. Galway Bay supports diverse marine habitats, including seagrass beds and important fish spawning grounds. The bay is also a key area for migratory birds and shellfish fisheries, making effective wastewater treatment essential for maintaining water quality and ecosystem health.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on the R348 road in Athenry, County Galway, Ireland, within the Athenry-Oranmore Municipal District.
The plant serves approximately 5,172 people in the Athenry area of County Galway.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local river system, which ultimately flows into Galway Bay on Ireland's west coast.
As an Irish plant serving over 2,000 people, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for freshwater discharges.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving between 2,000 and 10,000 population equivalent typically require secondary treatment, which involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.