CATON STW - Lancaster, England Wastewater Treatment Plant

CATON STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in Caton, near Lancaster, in Lancashire, England. The facility serves a population of around 2,880 and operates under the regulatory framework of the United Kingdom, which implements the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for water quality standards. The plant provides secondary treatment, a standard level required for inland freshwater discharges under UK regulations. With a designed capacity of 10,498 cubic meters per day and an actual discharge volume of 641.19 cubic meters per day, the plant operates well below its capacity, indicating headroom for future growth or seasonal variations. The treated effluent from CATON STW is discharged into the local water environment, ultimately contributing to the River Lune catchment. The River Lune flows into Morecambe Bay, an ecologically important estuary that supports diverse bird life and marine habitats. The plant's location within 10 km of the coast means its discharge can influence coastal water quality.

CATON STW discharges into the River Lune catchment, which drains into Morecambe Bay, a large estuary on the Irish Sea. Morecambe Bay is an ecologically sensitive area that supports important bird populations and marine life. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means its treated effluent can affect coastal water quality, particularly during low-flow conditions. The River Lune and its tributaries provide habitat for salmon and trout, making nutrient management and treatment efficacy critical for maintaining aquatic health.