Overview
COLBURN STW serves approximately 20,371 people in Colburn, North Yorkshire, England. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local water environment, contributing to the protection of the River Swale and the Humber Estuary.
COLBURN STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in Colburn, a village in North Yorkshire, England. It serves a population of around 20,371, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under UK regulations. The plant is situated inland, approximately 50 km from the coast, and its treated effluent ultimately reaches the North Sea via the River Swale and Humber Estuary. As a UK wastewater facility, COLBURN STW operates under the Water Industry Act 1991 and is regulated by the Environment Agency. For a plant serving over 10,000 people, the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations 1994 (transposing the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive) require secondary treatment as a minimum. It is expected to meet these regulatory standards to protect the receiving water body. The treated wastewater from COLBURN STW discharges into the River Swale, a tributary of the River Ure, which flows into the River Ouse and then the Humber Estuary. The Humber Estuary is a major ecological site supporting diverse bird life and fish species. The plant plays a key role in maintaining water quality in this sensitive downstream environment.
Environmental context
COLBURN STW discharges into the River Swale, which flows into the River Ure, then the River Ouse, and finally the Humber Estuary. The Humber Estuary is a large coastal plain estuary that supports important habitats for migratory birds and fish, including salmon and sea trout. The plant's treatment performance is critical to maintaining water quality in this ecologically significant downstream system.
Frequently asked questions
COLBURN STW is located in Colburn, North Yorkshire, England, near the River Swale.
COLBURN STW serves approximately 20,371 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under UK regulations.
COLBURN STW discharges treated effluent into the River Swale, which flows through the River Ure and River Ouse to the Humber Estuary.
COLBURN STW operates under the UK Water Industry Act 1991 and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations 1994, which require secondary treatment for plants serving over 10,000 people.
For plants serving around 20,000 people in the UK, secondary treatment is mandatory under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, often with additional nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas.
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