Overview
Benfleet STW serves Castle Point, Essex, treating wastewater for approximately 26,500 people. The plant operates under UK regulations aligned with the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Benfleet STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in South Benfleet, Castle Point, Essex, England. It serves a population of around 26,516, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under UK regulatory frameworks. As a UK facility, it operates under the Water Industry Act 1991 and is subject to the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for populations over 2,000. Discharges are regulated by the Environment Agency through discharge permits. The treated effluent likely discharges into the Thames Estuary or a tributary, given the coastal location. The plant plays a key role in protecting the local water environment, including the Thames Estuary and the North Sea, from pollution.
Environmental context
Benfleet STW is situated near the Thames Estuary, a major tidal water body that flows into the North Sea. The estuary supports diverse aquatic life, including fish and bird species, and is an important migratory corridor. The plant's discharge must meet stringent quality standards to protect this sensitive ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
Benfleet STW is located on Woodham Road in South Benfleet, Castle Point, Essex, England.
Benfleet STW serves approximately 26,516 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration.
Benfleet STW discharges treated effluent into the Thames Estuary, which flows into the North Sea.
Benfleet STW operates under the UK Water Industry Act 1991 and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, with permits issued by the Environment Agency.
Under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving over 2,000 people typically require secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment in sensitive areas.
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