CLEY NEXT THE SEA STW - Secondary Wastewater Treatment Plant in North Norfolk, England

CLEY NEXT THE SEA STW is a secondary wastewater treatment plant located in the village of Cley next the Sea, North Norfolk, England. The facility serves a population of approximately 2,894 residents and is situated near the North Norfolk Coast, an area of ecological importance. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment stage required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. With a designed capacity of 3,293 cubic meters per day and an average daily discharge of 644.31 cubic meters, the plant operates well within its capacity, indicating effective management of local wastewater flows. The treated effluent is discharged into the local catchment, which ultimately drains into the North Sea. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means its discharge must meet stringent environmental standards to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems, including salt marshes and mudflats that support diverse birdlife and marine species.

The plant discharges into the coastal waters of the North Sea via local watercourses. The North Norfolk Coast is an ecologically sensitive area featuring salt marshes, sand dunes, and intertidal flats that provide critical habitat for migratory birds and marine life. The receiving environment supports diverse aquatic species and is part of a wider network of coastal habitats important for biodiversity.