Felixstowe STW Wastewater Treatment Plant, East Suffolk, England

Felixstowe STW is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located near the Port of Felixstowe in East Suffolk, England. The facility serves a population of approximately 30,764, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under UK regulations. The plant is situated in a coastal area, within 50 km of the North Sea. As a UK wastewater treatment plant, Felixstowe STW operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations 1994, which transpose the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). For agglomerations of this size, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in megalitres per day or similar units), indicating a moderate scale of operation. The treated effluent from Felixstowe STW is discharged into the River Orwell estuary, which flows into the North Sea. This coastal discharge point is ecologically significant as the estuary supports diverse aquatic life and serves as a habitat for migratory birds. The North Sea is a major water body with important fisheries and marine ecosystems, making effective wastewater treatment crucial for protecting water quality and biodiversity.

Felixstowe STW discharges into the River Orwell estuary, which flows into the North Sea. The estuary is a dynamic environment supporting diverse aquatic life, including fish, invertebrates, and migratory birds. The North Sea is a vital marine ecosystem with significant fisheries and shipping routes. Effective wastewater treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and pollution that could harm these sensitive coastal and marine habitats.