Overview
Long Melford STW serves approximately 5,151 people in Babergh, Suffolk, England. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local water environment, contributing to the River Stour catchment.
Long Melford STW is a wastewater treatment plant located on School Lane in Long Melford, Babergh, Suffolk, England. It serves a population of around 5,151 people, classifying it as a small agglomeration under UK and EU regulatory frameworks. As a plant of this scale in England, it operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which implement the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). These regulations require secondary treatment for inland discharges from agglomerations of this size. The treated effluent from Long Melford STW ultimately discharges into the River Stour, which flows through Suffolk and Essex before reaching the North Sea at Harwich. The River Stour is a chalk stream of ecological importance, supporting diverse aquatic life and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in parts. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in this sensitive river system.
Environmental context
Long Melford STW discharges into the River Stour catchment, a chalk stream that flows through Suffolk and Essex to the North Sea. The River Stour supports diverse aquatic life, including salmonid fish and rare invertebrates, and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its ecological value. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this sensitive river system, which is also used for recreation and agriculture downstream.
Frequently asked questions
Long Melford STW is located on School Lane in Long Melford, Babergh, Suffolk, England, with the postcode CO10 9AD.
Long Melford STW serves approximately 5,151 people, classifying it as a small agglomeration under UK wastewater regulations.
The treated effluent from Long Melford STW is discharged into the River Stour catchment, which flows to the North Sea. The plant is located inland, more than 50 km from the coast.
Long Melford STW operates under the UK Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which implement the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). For a plant serving around 5,000 people, secondary treatment is typically required.
Long Melford STW helps protect the River Stour, a chalk stream of high ecological value that supports diverse aquatic life and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Proper treatment prevents nutrient pollution and maintains water quality.
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