Overview
Portlaw waste water treatment plant serves the community of Portlaw in County Waterford, Ireland. The facility operates under Irish and EU wastewater regulations.
Portlaw waste water treatment plant is located in County Waterford, Ireland, serving a population of approximately 2,070. The plant is situated inland, away from the coast, and treats wastewater from the local community. As a small agglomeration serving fewer than 2,500 people, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires appropriate treatment based on the sensitivity of the receiving waters. The plant must meet national standards set by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Celtic Sea. The plant plays a key role in protecting the water quality of the River Suir catchment, which supports diverse aquatic life and is important for local biodiversity.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the River Suir catchment, which flows into Waterford Harbour and then the Celtic Sea. The River Suir is a designated salmonid river and supports a variety of fish species, including Atlantic salmon and brown trout. Protecting water quality in this catchment is essential for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and supporting local fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in County Waterford, Ireland, near the village of Portlaw, in the Municipal District of Comeragh.
The plant serves approximately 2,070 people in the Portlaw area.
The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses within the River Suir catchment, which flows to Waterford Harbour and the Celtic Sea.
As an Irish wastewater plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) and is regulated by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency.
For small agglomerations under 2,500 people, the EU directive requires appropriate treatment, often secondary treatment, to protect receiving waters. The specific level depends on the sensitivity of the local environment.