Overview
Bolton STW is a major wastewater treatment plant serving approximately 369,000 people in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It operates under the UK's urban wastewater regulatory framework.
Bolton STW is a major wastewater treatment facility located in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. Serving a population of approximately 369,000, it is classified as a large agglomeration under the UK's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD). The plant is situated inland, discharging into local watercourses that ultimately flow into the River Irwell and then the Manchester Ship Canal. As a large treatment plant serving over 150,000 people, Bolton STW is required to meet stringent treatment standards under UK regulations. The UWWTD mandates secondary treatment for all significant discharges, with tertiary treatment required in sensitive areas. The plant's treatment processes are designed to comply with these standards, ensuring effective removal of organic matter and nutrients before discharge. The treated effluent from Bolton STW enters the River Irwell catchment, which flows through Greater Manchester and joins the Manchester Ship Canal before reaching the Irish Sea. The plant plays a critical role in protecting the water quality of the Irwell and downstream ecosystems, supporting aquatic life and recreational uses. Its operation is essential for maintaining the environmental health of the region's waterways.
Environmental context
Bolton STW discharges into the River Irwell catchment, part of the Mersey Basin, which flows through Greater Manchester and into the Manchester Ship Canal before reaching the Irish Sea. The Irwell supports diverse aquatic life and is a key waterway for the region. The plant's effluent must meet strict standards to protect downstream habitats and water quality, particularly in the context of urban runoff and industrial inputs common in the area.
Frequently asked questions
Bolton STW is located at Red Rock Lane, Kilcoby, Ringley, Bolton, Greater Manchester, England, M26 1FL, United Kingdom.
Bolton STW serves approximately 368,806 people, classifying it as a large agglomeration under the UK's wastewater regulations.
The treated effluent from Bolton STW is discharged into the River Irwell catchment, which flows through Greater Manchester and eventually reaches the Irish Sea via the Manchester Ship Canal.
Bolton STW operates under the UK's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD), which requires secondary treatment for large agglomerations and tertiary treatment in sensitive areas to protect water quality.
For a plant of this scale in the UK, secondary treatment is mandatory, and tertiary treatment (e. g. , nutrient removal) is often required to meet environmental standards, especially in catchments like the River Irwell that are sensitive to pollution.
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