BRYNMAWR STW BLACKROCK BRYNMAWR STW - Darrenfelen, Wales Wastewater Treatment Plant

BRYNMAWR STW BLACKROCK BRYNMAWR STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in Darrenfelen, Blaenau Gwent, within the Cymru / Wales region of the United Kingdom. It serves a population of around 5,578, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under UK water industry standards. The plant is situated near the Heads of the Valleys Road in Blackrock, Brynmawr, an area characterized by its upland terrain and proximity to the Brecon Beacons. As a UK wastewater facility, the plant operates under the Water Industry Act 1991 and is regulated by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). For agglomerations of this size, the Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations 1994, which transpose the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, typically require secondary treatment. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the River Usk or its tributaries, flowing south to the Severn Estuary and the Bristol Channel. This catchment supports diverse aquatic life, including salmonid fisheries, and is ecologically sensitive due to its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in parts. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in this upland river system.

The plant discharges into the River Usk catchment, which flows into the Severn Estuary and then the Bristol Channel. This river system supports important salmon and trout populations and is recognized for its high ecological value. The surrounding area includes upland habitats and peatlands that influence water quality and flow regimes.