Overview
FAKENHAM STW serves approximately 16,746 people in North Norfolk, England, as part of the UK's municipal wastewater infrastructure under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations.
FAKENHAM STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in North Norfolk, Norfolk, England, serving a population of around 16,746. The facility is part of the United Kingdom's wastewater infrastructure, which operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (transposing the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive). As a medium-sized agglomeration, the plant is expected to provide at least secondary treatment to meet regulatory standards for environmental protection. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in megaliters per day or similar unit), indicating its scale. UK regulations require secondary treatment for inland discharges from populations over 2,000, with potential tertiary treatment in sensitive areas. The facility's operational status and permit details are managed by the Environment Agency or relevant authority. The plant discharges into local watercourses that ultimately drain to the North Sea via rivers such as the River Wensum or nearby coastal systems. The region's ecology includes chalk streams and wetlands that support diverse aquatic life, making proper treatment essential for maintaining water quality and biodiversity in the downstream environment.
Environmental context
FAKENHAM STW discharges into local rivers that flow toward the North Sea, contributing to the broader drainage basin of the Norfolk coast. The receiving waters support sensitive chalk stream habitats and estuarine ecosystems, which are important for species such as brown trout and migratory birds. Effective wastewater treatment is critical to prevent nutrient enrichment and maintain ecological balance in these downstream environments.
Frequently asked questions
FAKENHAM STW is located in North Norfolk, Norfolk, England, near the town of Fakenham. The plant serves the local community as part of the region's wastewater infrastructure.
FAKENHAM STW serves approximately 16,746 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under UK wastewater regulations.
The plant discharges treated effluent into local watercourses that flow toward the North Sea. The specific receiving water body is part of the Norfolk river system, which supports sensitive chalk stream habitats.
FAKENHAM STW operates under the UK's Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which implement the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. These regulations require secondary treatment for inland plants serving over 2,000 people, with additional nutrient removal in sensitive areas.
For a plant of this scale in the UK, secondary treatment is standard, often involving biological processes such as activated sludge or trickling filters. In sensitive catchments, tertiary treatment for nutrient removal may be required to protect water quality.
Nearby plants