Overview
Swords Wastewater Treatment Plant serves the town of Swords in County Dublin, Ireland, treating wastewater for a population of approximately 77,782. The plant is located near the coast in the Leinster region.
Swords Wastewater Treatment Plant is a key municipal facility serving the town of Swords in Fingal, County Dublin, Ireland. With a population served of around 77,782, it falls into the category of a medium-to-large agglomeration under Irish and EU regulations. The plant is situated near Hutchinsons Strand, close to the Irish Sea coast. As an Irish wastewater treatment plant, Swords operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per second or similar unit), indicating its scale. The regulatory framework ensures compliance with discharge standards to protect the receiving environment. The plant discharges treated effluent into the Irish Sea via the local coastal area. The receiving waters support diverse marine life and are part of the broader Dublin Bay ecosystem, which is ecologically sensitive. The plant plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality in the region, preventing nutrient pollution and safeguarding coastal habitats.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Irish Sea, a dynamic marine environment that supports fisheries, migratory birds, and coastal ecosystems. The nearby Broadmeadow Water estuary and Malahide estuary are important for birdlife and aquatic species. Effective treatment is essential to prevent eutrophication and protect the sensitive coastal waters of Dublin Bay.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at Hutchinsons Strand, near Swords in Fingal, County Dublin, Ireland, close to the coast of the Irish Sea.
The plant serves approximately 77,782 people, corresponding to the population of Swords and surrounding areas in County Dublin.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Irish Sea via a coastal outfall, likely near Hutchinsons Strand, after undergoing treatment to meet EU standards.
As an Irish plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 15,000 population equivalent, with additional nutrient removal in sensitive areas.
For agglomerations of this size, Irish plants typically provide secondary treatment (biological treatment) and may include nutrient removal to protect sensitive coastal waters, as required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
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