Overview
Balbriggan wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 39,650 people in Ireland. The facility is located near the coast and operates under EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive regulations.
Balbriggan wastewater treatment plant is a municipal facility serving the town of Balbriggan and surrounding areas in County Fingal, Ireland. With a population equivalent of approximately 39,650, it is classified as a medium agglomeration under EU standards. The plant is situated near the Irish Sea coast, less than 50 km from the shoreline. As an Irish wastewater treatment facility, Balbriggan operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into coastal waters. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in thousands of cubic meters per day), indicating it is sized to handle the local population's wastewater. The treated effluent from Balbriggan is discharged into the Irish Sea, which supports diverse marine life including fish, crustaceans, and seabirds. The coastal waters in this region are important for commercial fishing and tourism. Proper treatment helps protect water quality and marine ecosystems from nutrient pollution and pathogens.
Environmental context
Balbriggan's treated wastewater discharges into the Irish Sea, a semi-enclosed sea that connects to the Atlantic Ocean via the North Channel. The coastal waters off County Fingal support diverse marine habitats, including rocky shores and sandy beaches, which are important for seabird colonies and fish spawning. Nutrient inputs from wastewater must be managed to prevent eutrophication in this ecologically sensitive marine environment.
Frequently asked questions
Balbriggan wastewater treatment plant is located in Balbriggan, County Fingal, Ireland, near the eastern coast of the country.
The plant serves approximately 39,650 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated wastewater from Balbriggan is discharged into the Irish Sea, following treatment that meets EU standards for coastal discharges.
As an Irish plant, Balbriggan operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 10,000 people discharging into coastal waters.
For a medium agglomeration of about 40,000 people in Ireland, secondary treatment is typically required, with possible nutrient removal if the receiving waters are sensitive.
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