Overview
Macroom Wastewater Treatment Plant serves 7,518 people in County Cork, Ireland. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale.
Macroom Wastewater Treatment Plant is a municipal facility located in the town of Macroom, County Cork, Ireland. Serving a population of approximately 7,518, it is classified as a small to medium agglomeration under Irish and EU regulations. The plant is situated in the Munster region, within the Municipal District of Macroom. As an Irish wastewater treatment plant, Macroom operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for discharges to freshwater and estuaries for agglomerations above 2,000 population equivalent. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in thousand cubic meters per day or similar unit), indicating it is sized to handle the local community's wastewater load. Treatment processes and operational status are consistent with standard municipal infrastructure in Ireland. The plant discharges treated effluent into the local water environment, ultimately draining into the River Lee catchment and the Celtic Sea. The receiving waters support diverse aquatic life and are important for regional biodiversity. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in County Cork's river systems and downstream coastal areas.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent enters the River Lee catchment, which flows through County Cork and into Cork Harbour, a large natural harbour that connects to the Celtic Sea. This watershed supports salmonid fisheries, estuarine habitats, and migratory bird populations. The plant's discharge is regulated to protect these ecologically sensitive waters from nutrient enrichment and pollution.
Frequently asked questions
Macroom Wastewater Treatment Plant is located in Macroom, County Cork, Ireland, in the Munster region. The facility serves the urban area of Macroom and surrounding communities.
The plant serves approximately 7,518 people, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under EU wastewater treatment regulations.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local water environment, which drains into the River Lee catchment and ultimately reaches Cork Harbour and the Celtic Sea.
As an Irish plant, Macroom operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for discharges to freshwater and estuaries for agglomerations over 2,000 population equivalent.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving agglomerations between 2,000 and 10,000 population equivalent typically require secondary treatment, which involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
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