Overview
Rhayader STW is a secondary treatment plant serving approximately 2,105 people in Rhayader, Powys, Wales. It discharges treated wastewater into the local river system within the Wye catchment.
Rhayader STW (Sewage Treatment Works) is a municipal wastewater facility located in Rhayader, Powys, Wales, United Kingdom. The plant serves a population of approximately 2,105 people and is situated inland, away from coastal areas. It operates under the regulatory framework of the United Kingdom, which implements the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) as retained in domestic law. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required for inland freshwater discharges under UK regulations. The designed capacity is 2,670 cubic meters per day, with an average daily discharge volume of 468.65 cubic meters, indicating a utilization rate well below capacity. This suggests the plant has headroom for future growth or seasonal variations. The treated effluent is discharged into a local watercourse that flows into the River Wye, one of the most important rivers in the UK for its ecological diversity. The Wye is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and supports salmon, otter, and Atlantic stream crayfish. The plant's secondary treatment helps protect the river's water quality and downstream habitats.
Environmental context
Rhayader STW discharges into a tributary of the River Wye, which flows southeast through the Welsh countryside before joining the River Severn estuary near Chepstow. The Wye catchment is known for its high conservation value, supporting diverse aquatic life including Atlantic salmon and freshwater pearl mussels. The plant's secondary treatment ensures that nutrient and organic loads are reduced, helping to maintain the river's ecological status in this sensitive upland environment.
Frequently asked questions
Rhayader STW is located on the A470 near Nantmel, Rhayader, Powys, Wales, United Kingdom, with a postcode of LD1 6NW.
The plant serves approximately 2,105 people in the Rhayader area.
Rhayader STW provides secondary treatment, which involves biological processes to remove organic matter and solids from wastewater.
As a UK plant, Rhayader STW operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which transpose the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. For inland plants serving fewer than 10,000 people, secondary treatment is typically required.
The treated effluent from Rhayader STW is discharged into a local watercourse that feeds into the River Wye, a major river in Wales known for its ecological importance.
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