Overview
MELBOURN STW serves South Cambridgeshire, England, treating wastewater for approximately 7,279 people. The plant operates under UK regulations aligned with the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
MELBOURN STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire, England. It serves a population of approximately 7,279 people, placing it in the small-to-medium agglomeration category. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its operations are part of the regional water infrastructure managed by the local water authority. As a UK wastewater facility, MELBOURN STW operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which transpose the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). For agglomerations of this size, secondary treatment is typically required, though specific treatment levels may vary based on local environmental sensitivity. The plant's capacity and treatment processes are designed to meet regulatory standards for effluent quality. The treated effluent from MELBOURN STW is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the River Cam and then the Great Ouse basin, which flows into The Wash. This catchment supports diverse aquatic life and is important for regional biodiversity. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in this sensitive river system.
Environmental context
MELBOURN STW discharges into local streams that feed the River Cam, part of the Great Ouse catchment. The Great Ouse flows into The Wash, a large estuary and important ecological area supporting bird populations and marine life. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this sensitive watershed, which is subject to nutrient management regulations under UK law.
Frequently asked questions
MELBOURN STW is located in South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire, England, near the village of Meldreth. Its address is Flambards Close, Meldreth, South Cambridgeshire.
The treated effluent from MELBOURN STW is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the River Cam, part of the Great Ouse basin, which ultimately reaches The Wash estuary.
MELBOURN STW helps protect the River Cam and the wider Great Ouse catchment, which supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and flows into The Wash.
MELBOURN STW operates under the UK Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which implement the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. For its population size, secondary treatment is typically required to meet effluent standards.
For agglomerations of around 7,000 people in England, secondary treatment is standard under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations. This involves biological treatment to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
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