Overview
Dorking Pixham Lane Dorking STW serves approximately 27,200 people in Mole Valley, Surrey, England. The plant operates under the UK's wastewater regulatory framework, discharging treated effluent into the River Mole.
Dorking Pixham Lane Dorking STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in Pixham, Mole Valley, Surrey, England. It serves a population of around 27,200, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under the UK's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD). The plant is situated near the River Mole, a tributary of the River Thames. As a UK wastewater facility, the plant is regulated by the Environment Agency under the Water Industry Act 1991. For a population of this scale, the UWWTD requires at least secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment expected if the receiving water is in a sensitive area. This suggests the plant is sized to handle the local population load. The treated effluent is discharged into the River Mole, which flows northwards through Surrey to join the River Thames near Hampton Court. The Thames then drains into the North Sea via the Thames Estuary. The River Mole supports diverse aquatic life and is an important corridor for migratory fish species. The plant's operation helps protect water quality in this ecologically sensitive river system.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the River Mole, a chalk stream that flows through the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty before joining the River Thames. The Thames Estuary ultimately drains into the North Sea. The River Mole supports a variety of fish species, including brown trout and grayling, and its riparian habitats are important for birds and invertebrates. Maintaining high treatment standards is critical to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect downstream ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 11 Riverside, Pixham, Mole Valley, Surrey, England, RH4 1PR, United Kingdom.
The plant serves approximately 27,200 people in the Mole Valley area.
The treated effluent is discharged into the River Mole, a tributary of the River Thames, which flows to the North Sea.
The plant operates under the UK's Water Industry Act 1991, enforced by the Environment Agency. It follows the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 10,000 people.
For a population of this size, secondary treatment is required as a minimum. If the receiving water is in a sensitive area, tertiary treatment may be needed to reduce nutrients.
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