Overview
Portumna wastewater treatment plant serves the town of Portumna in County Galway, Ireland, treating wastewater for approximately 2,870 residents. The plant discharges into the local water environment, contributing to the protection of the Shannon Riv
Portumna wastewater treatment plant is a municipal facility located in County Galway, Ireland, serving the town of Portumna and its surrounding area. The plant treats wastewater for a population of approximately 2,870 people, placing it in the small-to-medium agglomeration category under Irish and EU regulations. As an Irish wastewater treatment plant, it operates under the European Union Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for discharges to freshwater and estuaries from agglomerations of this size. The plant's treatment process and capacity details are not publicly available, but the regulatory framework ensures compliance with effluent standards to protect receiving waters. The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, ultimately draining into the River Shannon, Ireland's longest river. The Shannon flows through Lough Derg and into the Shannon Estuary, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing important habitat for fish and bird species. The plant plays a key role in maintaining water quality in this ecologically significant river system.
Environmental context
Portumna lies on the northern shore of Lough Derg, a large lake on the River Shannon. The treated wastewater from the plant discharges into the Shannon catchment, which flows through Lough Derg and the Shannon Estuary before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. This watershed supports diverse aquatic ecosystems, including salmonid fisheries and important bird populations. Protecting water quality in this region is vital for maintaining the ecological health of the Shannon basin.
Frequently asked questions
Portumna wastewater treatment plant is located in County Galway, Ireland, near Portumna Forest Park. It serves the town of Portumna and the surrounding area in the Loughrea Municipal District.
The plant serves approximately 2,870 people, classifying it as a small-to-medium agglomeration under EU wastewater treatment regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local water environment, which drains into Lough Derg and the River Shannon system, eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
As an Irish plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for discharges to freshwater from agglomerations of this size.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving between 2,000 and 10,000 people typically require secondary treatment, which involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
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