Benone Wastewater Treatment Plant, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Benone wastewater treatment plant is located in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, near the coastal area of Benone Avenue in the Causeway Coast and Glens District. The plant served a population of approximately 3,347 people and is now closed. It was situated close to the Atlantic coast, reflecting its role in managing wastewater from a small coastal community. The plant provided secondary treatment, which is a standard biological treatment process that reduces organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 800 m³/day and an average discharge volume of 745.16 m³/day, it operated at a high utilization rate. As a closed facility, it no longer treats wastewater, and the local population is likely served by other infrastructure. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, secondary treatment is required for discharges to coastal waters from agglomerations of this size. The plant's treated effluent was discharged into the nearby coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, specifically the North Channel. This area supports diverse marine life and is part of a region known for its scenic coastline and ecological importance. The plant's closure may reflect upgrades or consolidation of wastewater services in the area.

The plant discharged into the Atlantic Ocean via the North Channel, which connects the Irish Sea to the Atlantic. This coastal area supports diverse marine ecosystems, including fish, seabirds, and benthic habitats. The proximity to the coast means that treated effluent directly influences local water quality, with secondary treatment reducing nutrient and pollutant loads to protect marine life.