Overview
BEDFORD STW serves approximately 197,000 people in Bedford, England. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the River Great Ouse, part of the Anglian River Basin District.
BEDFORD STW is a major wastewater treatment facility located in Bedford, England, serving a population of around 197,000. The plant is situated near the River Great Ouse and operates under the regulatory framework of the UK Environment Agency. As a large agglomeration serving over 150,000 people, the plant is subject to the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment as a minimum, and likely tertiary treatment due to the sensitive nature of the receiving waters. The plant's capacity and treatment processes are designed to meet stringent environmental standards. The treated effluent is discharged into the River Great Ouse, which flows through the Cambridgeshire Fens and ultimately into The Wash, an ecologically important estuary. The plant plays a critical role in protecting water quality in this river system, supporting aquatic life and downstream habitats.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the River Great Ouse, which flows through the East of England into The Wash, a large estuary and important habitat for birds and marine life. The river supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is used for recreation and agriculture. The Wash is a designated site of international importance for waterfowl and wading birds, making nutrient removal a key concern for wastewater treatment in this catchment.
Frequently asked questions
BEDFORD STW is located at Kings Mead Bridge, Newnham, Bedford, England, MK41 0TX, United Kingdom, near the River Great Ouse.
BEDFORD STW serves approximately 196,921 people, classifying it as a large agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The treated wastewater from BEDFORD STW is discharged into the River Great Ouse, which flows through the Fens and into The Wash estuary.
As a UK plant serving over 150,000 people, BEDFORD STW operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment and likely tertiary treatment for sensitive areas.
Plants of this scale in the UK typically employ secondary biological treatment (e. g. , activated sludge) and often include tertiary treatment such as nutrient removal to meet strict discharge standards for sensitive water bodies.
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