Overview
MELLINGEN wastewater treatment plant serves the municipality of Mellingen in Aargau, Switzerland, with a population equivalent of 21,375. It operates under Swiss water protection regulations.
The MELLINGEN wastewater treatment plant is located in Mellingen, a municipality in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland. The plant serves a population equivalent of 21,375, placing it in the medium agglomeration category for Swiss wastewater infrastructure. Switzerland's water protection legislation, particularly the Waters Protection Act (GSchG), mandates advanced treatment for plants of this scale to protect sensitive water bodies. Swiss plants typically employ mechanical-biological treatment with phosphorus removal and, where necessary, nitrification-denitrification to meet stringent effluent standards. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local hydrological network, which ultimately drains into the Reuss River, a tributary of the Aare River, and then into the Rhine. This river system supports diverse aquatic life and is an important corridor for migratory fish species. The plant's operations are critical for maintaining water quality in the densely populated Aargau region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Reuss River, which flows into the Aare River and then the Rhine, eventually reaching the North Sea. The Rhine basin is ecologically significant, supporting diverse fish populations including salmon and eel. The plant's location in the Swiss Plateau, a region with intensive agriculture and urban development, underscores the importance of effective nutrient removal to prevent eutrophication downstream.
Frequently asked questions
The MELLINGEN plant is located at 20, Militärstrasse, Mellingen, in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 21,375, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under Swiss wastewater regulations.
Treated wastewater from the plant is discharged into the local water system, which flows into the Reuss River, a tributary of the Aare River, and ultimately the Rhine River.
The plant operates under Switzerland's Waters Protection Act (GSchG) and the Water Protection Ordinance (GSchV), which set strict effluent standards for nitrogen, phosphorus, and other pollutants.
Swiss plants of this scale typically employ mechanical-biological treatment with phosphorus removal and often include nitrification-denitrification to meet the stringent requirements of the Waters Protection Act.
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