Overview
Altrincham STW serves approximately 42,000 people in Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local water system, contributing to the protection of the Manchester Ship Canal and the Mersey Estuary.
Altrincham STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in Broadheath, Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. It serves a population of around 42,000, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under UK and EU regulatory frameworks. The plant is situated inland, approximately 50 kilometers from the coast, and its operations are integral to managing wastewater from the Trafford area. As a UK wastewater facility, Altrincham STW operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) transposed into UK law. For a population of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with tertiary treatment expected if the receiving waters are sensitive. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in megaliters per day or similar unit), indicating its scale of operation. The treated effluent from Altrincham STW is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the Manchester Ship Canal, a major waterway connecting Manchester to the Mersey Estuary and the Irish Sea. This discharge pathway underscores the plant's role in protecting the ecological health of the Mersey Basin, which supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for fish species.
Environmental context
Altrincham STW discharges into the Manchester Ship Canal, which connects to the Mersey Estuary and ultimately the Irish Sea. The Mersey Estuary is a dynamic ecosystem that supports a variety of bird species and fish, including salmon and sea trout. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive area, which is important for both biodiversity and recreational use.
Frequently asked questions
Altrincham STW is located on Woodcote Road in Broadheath, Trafford, Greater Manchester, England, with the postcode WA14 5TB.
The plant serves approximately 42,092 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under UK wastewater regulations.
Treated effluent from Altrincham STW is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the Manchester Ship Canal, which connects to the Mersey Estuary and the Irish Sea.
As a UK plant, Altrincham STW operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) transposed into UK law, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size.
For a population of approximately 42,000, secondary treatment is standard under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. If the receiving waters are sensitive, tertiary treatment may be required to reduce nutrients.
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