Overview
HORWICH STW serves approximately 26,393 people in Bolton, England, as part of the United Kingdom's wastewater infrastructure. The plant operates under UK regulations implementing the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
HORWICH STW is a wastewater treatment plant located near Bolton in Greater Manchester, England. It serves a population of around 26,393, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under UK regulatory frameworks. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its operations are part of the region's municipal wastewater management. The plant operates under the UK's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The designed capacity is reported as 1.00, though the unit is unspecified. The regulatory framework ensures that effluent quality meets standards for protecting receiving waters. The treated effluent from HORWICH STW discharges into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the River Douglas and then the River Ribble, which flows into the Irish Sea. The plant plays a key role in maintaining water quality in the region, supporting aquatic life and downstream ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into local watercourses that feed into the River Douglas, a tributary of the River Ribble. The Ribble catchment supports diverse aquatic habitats and is important for migratory fish species. The effluent eventually reaches the Irish Sea, contributing to the overall health of the coastal marine environment. The region's industrial history and urban runoff add to the treatment challenges.
Frequently asked questions
HORWICH STW is located near Blackrod in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England, with coordinates 53.594, -2.570.
The plant serves approximately 26,393 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under UK wastewater regulations.
Treated effluent from HORWICH STW is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the River Douglas, part of the River Ribble catchment, ultimately reaching the Irish Sea.
The plant operates under UK regulations derived from the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size.
Under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 people typically require secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
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