Overview
London Long Reach STW in Dartford, England serves approximately 858,000 people. The plant operates under the UK's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
London Long Reach STW is a major wastewater treatment facility located in Dartford, Kent, England, serving a population of approximately 858,000. It is part of the Thames Water network and plays a critical role in managing wastewater from the southeastern Greater London area. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 volume units, indicating a large-scale operation. Under the UK's regulatory framework, which transposes the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), plants serving over 150,000 population equivalent are classified as large agglomerations requiring tertiary treatment in sensitive areas. The Thames Estuary is designated as a sensitive area under this directive, necessitating advanced treatment to reduce nutrients and protect water quality. The treated effluent from London Long Reach STW is discharged into the River Thames, which flows through London and into the Thames Estuary, eventually reaching the North Sea. The estuary supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for fish species. The plant's operations are crucial for maintaining the ecological health of the Thames and its downstream environment.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the River Thames, which flows through London and into the Thames Estuary, a major ecological zone supporting diverse aquatic life and migratory birds. The estuary is a critical habitat for fish species such as salmon and eels. The North Sea receives the Thames outflow, making nutrient management essential to prevent eutrophication in coastal waters.
Frequently asked questions
London Long Reach STW is located in Dartford, Kent, England, near the River Thames. Its address is Powerhouse 300, Marsh Street, Temple Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 5PP.
The plant serves approximately 858,000 people, making it a large-scale wastewater treatment facility in the Thames Water network.
Treated wastewater from London Long Reach STW is discharged into the River Thames, which flows into the Thames Estuary and then the North Sea.
The plant operates under the UK's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). As a large agglomeration serving over 150,000 people, it is required to meet strict treatment standards, including tertiary treatment in sensitive areas like the Thames Estuary.
For plants of this scale in the UK, advanced treatment processes such as activated sludge with nutrient removal are typical. The regulatory framework mandates secondary treatment as a minimum, with tertiary treatment required for discharges into sensitive waters.
Nearby plants