ACLE STW - Secondary Wastewater Treatment Plant in Broadland, Norfolk

ACLE STW (Sewage Treatment Works) is located on Damgate Lane in Acle, within the Broadland district of Norfolk, England. The plant serves a population of approximately 3,713 people and operates with a designed capacity of 4,000 m³/day, currently discharging 826.64 m³/day of treated effluent. As a secondary treatment facility, ACLE STW meets the standard required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. The directive mandates secondary biological treatment for populations between 2,000 and 10,000, which this plant fulfills. The plant's discharge volume is well within its designed capacity, indicating operational headroom. The treated wastewater from ACLE STW ultimately drains into the River Bure and then into the North Sea via Breydon Water. This coastal discharge point is within 10 km of the sea, making the plant subject to additional environmental scrutiny to protect sensitive marine ecosystems. The Norfolk Broads, a network of rivers and lakes, are nearby and support diverse aquatic life, including rare species and migratory birds.

ACLE STW discharges into the River Bure, a key watercourse in the Norfolk Broads, which flows into Breydon Water and then the North Sea. This coastal zone supports diverse aquatic habitats, including salt marshes and mudflats that are important for migratory birds and fish species. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce organic pollution and nutrient loading, protecting the sensitive downstream environment.