Stara Kamienica Wastewater Treatment Plant - Rural Secondary Treatment in Dolnośląskie

Stara Kamienica wastewater treatment plant is located in the village of Stara Kamienica, in the Karkonosze County of województwo dolnośląskie, Poland. The plant serves a small population of 419 residents, reflecting its role in a rural community. It is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and operates as part of the local municipal wastewater infrastructure. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations with a population equivalent (PE) between 2,000 and 10,000. Although the population served here is below that threshold, the plant's secondary treatment ensures compliance with Polish regulations that align with EU standards. The designed capacity is 2,500 m³/day, indicating ample capacity for future growth, with current discharge averaging 59.74 m³/day. The treated effluent is discharged into a local watercourse that ultimately drains into the Bóbr River, a tributary of the Oder River, which flows into the Baltic Sea. The plant plays a key role in protecting the local watershed from untreated sewage, supporting the ecological health of the Bóbr and Oder river systems. Its operation helps maintain water quality in a region known for its natural landscapes and tourism.

The plant discharges into a local stream that feeds into the Bóbr River, a major tributary of the Oder River. The Oder flows through western Poland and into the Baltic Sea via the Szczecin Lagoon. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor. The plant's secondary treatment reduces organic pollutants and nutrients, helping to prevent eutrophication in downstream waters.