Overview
Longford Waste Water Treatment Plant serves Cartrons, County Longford, Ireland, treating wastewater for approximately 11,672 people. The plant discharges into local waterways under Ireland's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Direct
Longford Waste Water Treatment Plant is located on the Longford Bypass in Cartrons, County Longford, Ireland. It serves a population of approximately 11,672 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated inland, over 50 km from the coast, and its treated effluent is discharged into the local river system. As an Irish wastewater treatment facility, the plant operates under the European Union Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. Ireland's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees compliance through discharge licensing. The regulatory framework ensures appropriate treatment standards are met. The treated wastewater from the plant ultimately drains into the River Shannon catchment, Ireland's longest river, which flows into the Shannon Estuary and then the Atlantic Ocean. The receiving waters support diverse aquatic life and are important for local biodiversity. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in the region, particularly in the context of Ireland's sensitive freshwater ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the River Shannon catchment, which drains into the Shannon Estuary and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. The Shannon is ecologically significant, supporting salmon, trout, and other freshwater species. The plant's effluent must meet strict nutrient limits to prevent eutrophication in the sensitive downstream waters, which are important for both conservation and recreation.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on the Longford Bypass in Cartrons, County Longford, Ireland, in the Leinster region.
The plant serves approximately 11,672 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local river system, which is part of the River Shannon catchment, ultimately flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.
Under the EU UWWTD, agglomerations of this size (over 10,000 population equivalent) require secondary treatment. The plant is regulated by Ireland's EPA to ensure compliance with discharge standards.
In Ireland, plants of this scale typically employ secondary treatment processes such as activated sludge or biological filtration, as mandated by the EU UWWTD for sensitive areas.