Overview
Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant serves over 312,000 people in County Cork, Ireland. It is located near the coast and discharges into the local water system.
Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant is a major municipal facility serving the greater Cork area in County Cork, Ireland. With a population equivalent of over 312,000, it is one of the largest treatment plants in the country, handling wastewater from the city and surrounding suburbs. As a large agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), the plant is required to provide at least secondary treatment, with more advanced treatment if discharging into sensitive areas. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per second or similar unit), indicating a substantial infrastructure investment to meet the needs of the region. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the River Lee estuary, which flows into Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbors in the world. Cork Harbour supports diverse marine life and is an important ecological and economic resource for the region. The plant plays a critical role in protecting water quality in the harbor and downstream coastal waters.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the River Lee estuary, which flows into Cork Harbour and ultimately the Celtic Sea. Cork Harbour is a large, ecologically significant estuary that supports diverse aquatic life, including fish, birds, and marine mammals. The plant's operations are crucial for maintaining water quality in this sensitive coastal environment, particularly given the harbor's importance for recreation, fishing, and tourism.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located near Monkstown in County Cork, Ireland, along the Old Crosshaven Railway Path in the Municipal District of Carrigaline.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 312,640 people, covering Cork City and surrounding areas.
Treated effluent is discharged into the River Lee estuary, which flows into Cork Harbour and then the Celtic Sea.
As an Irish plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 15,000 people and tertiary treatment in sensitive areas.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving over 100,000 people (large agglomerations) are required to have at least secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas like estuaries or coastal waters.