Overview
Greystones Waste Water Treatment Plant serves the coastal town of Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland. It treats wastewater from a population of approximately 36,205 under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Greystones Waste Water Treatment Plant is a municipal facility located at Cobblers Bulk, Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland. It serves a population of approximately 36,205, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near the coast, within 50 km of the Irish Sea, and plays a key role in protecting local water quality. As an Irish wastewater treatment plant, Greystones operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for discharges to freshwater and estuaries, and more advanced treatment for sensitive areas. For a population of this size, secondary treatment is the standard expectation. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, ultimately reaching the Irish Sea. This coastal discharge requires careful management to protect marine ecosystems and bathing water quality along the Wicklow coast. The plant contributes to the overall wastewater infrastructure of the Greater Dublin Area's eastern seaboard.
Environmental context
Greystones Waste Water Treatment Plant discharges treated wastewater into the local catchment, which drains into the Irish Sea via the coastal waters of County Wicklow. The receiving environment supports diverse marine life and is important for local fisheries and tourism. The Irish Sea is a semi-enclosed sea with limited tidal exchange, making it sensitive to nutrient inputs. Proper treatment helps prevent eutrophication and protects designated bathing waters along the coast.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at Cobblers Bulk, Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland (postcode A63 E9T0). It serves the town of Greystones and surrounding areas.
The plant serves a population of approximately 36,205, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU wastewater regulations.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local coastal waters, which ultimately flow into the Irish Sea. The discharge is managed to protect marine water quality and comply with EU standards.
As an Irish plant, Greystones operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). This directive requires secondary treatment for discharges to coastal waters and may require tertiary treatment if the receiving area is designated as sensitive.
For a population of this size, secondary treatment (biological treatment with settlement) is the standard requirement under the EU UWWTD. Some plants may also include nutrient removal if discharging to sensitive areas.
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