Overview
UWWTP Delfzijl serves Farmsum, Netherlands, treating wastewater for approximately 31,810 people. The plant is located near the Ems estuary and operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
UWWTP Delfzijl is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Farmsum, in the province of Groningen, Netherlands. It serves a population equivalent of approximately 31,810, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated in the Eemsdelta region, near the coast of the Wadden Sea. As a Dutch plant, UWWTP Delfzijl operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The Netherlands implements this directive through national legislation, with permits issued by regional water authorities. The plant discharges treated effluent into the local water system, which ultimately drains into the Ems estuary and the Wadden Sea. The Wadden Sea is a highly productive ecosystem that supports diverse aquatic life, including migratory birds and marine species. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast underscores the importance of effective nutrient removal to protect coastal water quality.
Environmental context
UWWTP Delfzijl discharges into the Ems estuary, which flows into the Wadden Sea, a shallow coastal sea known for its tidal flats and rich biodiversity. The Wadden Sea is ecologically sensitive, supporting migratory birds, fish, and marine mammals. Nutrient loading from wastewater can contribute to eutrophication, making advanced treatment important for protecting this downstream environment.
Frequently asked questions
UWWTP Delfzijl is located in Farmsum, in the province of Groningen, Netherlands, near the Ems estuary.
The plant serves approximately 31,810 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local water system, which flows into the Ems estuary and ultimately the Wadden Sea.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), implemented in the Netherlands by regional water authorities.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, agglomerations of this size typically require secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment in sensitive areas.
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