Overview
UWWTP SLEEN serves the town of Sleen in Coevorden, Drenthe, Netherlands, treating wastewater from a population of approximately 16,850. The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
UWWTP SLEEN is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Sleen, part of the municipality of Coevorden in the province of Drenthe, Netherlands. The plant serves a population of around 16,850, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. As a Dutch wastewater facility, UWWTP SLEEN is subject to 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, ensuring compliance with stringent effluent standards to protect water quality. The plant discharges treated wastewater into local waterways that ultimately drain into the North Sea via the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta. This region is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic life and important migratory fish species. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and maintain the health of downstream ecosystems.
Environmental context
The treated effluent from UWWTP SLEEN flows into local streams and canals that are part of the broader Rhine basin, eventually reaching the North Sea. This watershed supports a variety of aquatic habitats and is important for biodiversity, including fish species such as salmon and eel. Nutrient loading from wastewater can contribute to eutrophication in coastal waters, making effective treatment critical for the ecological health of the North Sea.
Frequently asked questions
UWWTP SLEEN is located in Sleen, a village in the municipality of Coevorden, in the province of Drenthe, Netherlands.
UWWTP SLEEN serves approximately 16,850 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The plant discharges treated effluent into local waterways that are part of the Rhine basin, ultimately flowing into the North Sea.
UWWTP SLEEN operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The Netherlands enforces this through national water quality legislation.
For medium-sized agglomerations in the Netherlands, secondary treatment is standard, often including biological processes to reduce organic matter and nutrients, in line with EU requirements.
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