Overview
DURHAM COLLEGES STW University STW is a secondary treatment plant in Durham, England, serving approximately 3,335 people. It discharges treated wastewater into the local water system.
DURHAM COLLEGES STW University STW is a wastewater treatment facility located in Durham, County Durham, England. The plant serves a population of around 3,335, classifying it as a small agglomeration under UK and EU regulatory frameworks. It is situated near the River Wear, which flows through the historic city of Durham. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive for inland freshwater discharges from agglomerations of this size. The designed capacity of 3,335 population equivalent aligns with the population served, indicating adequate infrastructure. The plant operates under the UK's environmental permitting regime, which transposes EU directives into national law. The treated effluent is discharged into the River Wear, a major watercourse in North East England. The river flows through Durham and eventually reaches the North Sea via the Wear Estuary. The plant plays a key role in protecting the river's water quality, supporting aquatic life and recreational use downstream.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the River Wear, which flows eastward through Durham and into the North Sea at Sunderland. The river supports diverse aquatic habitats, including salmonid fisheries, and is an important ecological corridor. The Wear Estuary is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its bird populations and intertidal habitats, making the plant's treatment performance critical for downstream environmental health.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Durham, County Durham, England, near the River Wear. Its address is Houghall, City of Durham, Durham, DH1 3DF.
The plant serves approximately 3,335 people, making it a small-scale treatment facility for the local community.
The plant provides secondary treatment and discharges treated effluent into the River Wear, which flows to the North Sea.
As a UK plant, it operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which implement the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Secondary treatment is required for inland discharges from agglomerations of this size.
For small agglomerations (under 10,000 population equivalent) discharging to inland freshwaters, secondary treatment is the standard requirement under UK regulations.
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