Overview
Newtownbreda wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 40,000 people in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, ensuring compliance with environmental standards for inland discharge.
Newtownbreda wastewater treatment plant is located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, serving a population of around 40,000. The plant is situated along the Lagan Towpath in the Stranmillis area, contributing to the region's wastewater management infrastructure. As a facility serving a medium-sized agglomeration, Newtownbreda is expected to meet secondary treatment standards under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). This directive requires secondary treatment for discharges to freshwater and estuaries from populations over 10,000, ensuring effective removal of organic matter and suspended solids. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the River Lagan, which flows through Belfast and into Belfast Lough, an important coastal inlet of the Irish Sea. The River Lagan supports diverse aquatic life and is a key recreational and ecological corridor in the region. Proper treatment helps protect water quality in the lough and downstream marine environment.
Environmental context
Newtownbreda discharges into the River Lagan, which flows through Belfast and enters Belfast Lough, a semi-enclosed coastal inlet of the Irish Sea. The lough supports important habitats for fish, birds, and marine species, including migratory salmonids. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive area, which is used for recreation and supports local biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
Newtownbreda wastewater treatment plant is located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, along the Lagan Towpath in the Stranmillis area. It serves the local community as part of the city's wastewater infrastructure.
The plant serves approximately 40,000 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. This population size determines the treatment standards required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Treated wastewater from Newtownbreda is discharged into the River Lagan, which flows through Belfast and into Belfast Lough, an inlet of the Irish Sea. The discharge point is inland, and the plant's treatment level is designed to protect the river and downstream coastal waters.
The plant protects the River Lagan, which runs through Belfast, and its downstream receiving waters, including Belfast Lough and the Irish Sea. By treating wastewater, the plant helps maintain water quality in these water bodies, supporting aquatic life and recreational use.
Newtownbreda, serving over 10,000 people, falls under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). This directive mandates secondary treatment for discharges to freshwater and estuaries from agglomerations of this size, ensuring effective removal of pollutants before discharge to the River Lagan.
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