Notaneset renseanlegg - Secondary Wastewater Treatment in Øystese, Norway

Notaneset renseanlegg is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Øystese, a village in Kvam herad, Vestland county, Norway. The plant serves a population of 2,300 and is situated near the Hardangerfjord, a major fjord on Norway's west coast. Its coastal location places it within 10 km of the sea, making it subject to stringent discharge regulations. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under Norwegian regulations for coastal discharges. Norway, as part of the European Economic Area, follows the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The designed capacity of 4,800 m³/day indicates the plant is sized to handle current and future loads, with a current discharge volume of approximately 997 m³/day. The treated effluent is discharged into the Hardangerfjord, a deep fjord that connects to the North Sea. The fjord supports diverse marine life, including fish, seabirds, and benthic communities. Proper treatment is essential to protect water quality in this ecologically sensitive coastal environment, which is also important for local tourism and aquaculture.

The plant discharges into the Hardangerfjord, a major fjord on Norway's west coast that flows into the North Sea. This fjord supports a rich marine ecosystem, including salmon and sea trout populations, and is a vital corridor for migratory fish. The coastal waters are sensitive to nutrient inputs, making secondary treatment important for preventing eutrophication and protecting biodiversity.