Overview
Sixmilebridge Waste Water Treatment Plant serves County Clare, Ireland, treating wastewater from a population of approximately 2,929. The plant operates under Irish and EU regulations for small agglomerations.
Sixmilebridge Waste Water Treatment Plant is located in County Clare, Ireland, within the Shannon Municipal District. The facility serves a population of approximately 2,929, classifying it as a small agglomeration under EU urban wastewater treatment directives. As a small-scale plant, it is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires appropriate treatment based on the sensitivity of the receiving environment. Plants of this size typically employ secondary treatment or equivalent to meet discharge standards. The plant discharges treated effluent into the local water system, which ultimately drains into the Shannon Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. The Shannon Estuary is a significant ecological corridor supporting diverse aquatic life, including salmon and oyster beds, and is important for migratory birds.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent enters the local catchment, flowing into the Shannon Estuary, a large tidal estuary on Ireland's west coast. The estuary supports diverse habitats, including mudflats and salt marshes, and is a key nursery ground for fish species. Downstream, the waters mix with the Atlantic Ocean, contributing to the marine ecosystem. The region's high rainfall and rural setting influence dilution and nutrient dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on the R462 road in Mountievers ED, Shannon Municipal District, County Clare, Ireland.
The plant serves a population of approximately 2,929 people in the Sixmilebridge area of County Clare.
The treated effluent discharges into the local catchment, which flows into the Shannon Estuary and eventually the Atlantic Ocean.
As a small agglomeration (under 10,000 population equivalent), the plant is regulated under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires appropriate treatment based on the sensitivity of the receiving waters.
For small agglomerations in Ireland, secondary treatment or equivalent is standard, often involving biological processes to reduce organic matter and nutrients before discharge.
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