Overview
Engelberg wastewater treatment plant serves the Swiss municipality of Engelberg in Obwalden canton. It treats wastewater from a population of approximately 7,175 people, discharging into the local watershed.
The Engelberg wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Engelberg, in the canton of Obwalden, Switzerland. It serves a population of around 7,175 residents, typical of a small alpine community. The plant is situated in the Engelberg Valley, a popular tourist destination known for its mountain scenery and winter sports. As a Swiss plant, it operates under the Swiss Water Protection Act (Gewässerschutzgesetz), which mandates advanced treatment standards. For agglomerations of this size, secondary treatment with nutrient removal is typically required to protect sensitive alpine waters. Swiss regulations ensure high treatment standards. The treated effluent is discharged into the Engelberger Aa river, which flows through the valley and eventually joins the Reuss river, a tributary of the Aare. The Aare then drains into the Rhine, which flows to the North Sea. The plant plays a key role in protecting the pristine alpine environment and downstream aquatic ecosystems.
Environmental context
The Engelberg plant discharges into the Engelberger Aa river, a tributary of the Reuss, which flows into the Aare and ultimately the Rhine. The Rhine basin is a major European watershed supporting diverse aquatic life and providing drinking water for millions. The alpine headwaters are ecologically sensitive, with cold, oxygen-rich waters that support species like brown trout. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this important river system.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Engelberg, a municipality in the canton of Obwalden, Switzerland, at an address on Engelbergerstrasse in the Ober Schluchen area.
The plant serves approximately 7,175 people, covering the residential and tourist population of Engelberg, a popular alpine resort.
Treated wastewater is discharged into the Engelberger Aa river, which flows through the valley and joins the Reuss river, part of the Rhine basin.
The plant operates under the Swiss Water Protection Act, which requires advanced treatment for discharges into sensitive alpine waters, typically including secondary treatment and nutrient removal.
For agglomerations of this size in Switzerland, secondary treatment with phosphorus removal is standard to protect sensitive receiving waters, in line with the Swiss Water Protection Act.
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