Overview
ROCHDALE STW serves approximately 198,000 people in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local river system, ultimately draining into the Irish Sea.
ROCHDALE STW is a major wastewater treatment facility located in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England. Serving a population of around 198,000, it is a key component of the region's water infrastructure, handling municipal wastewater from the urban area. As a large agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), the plant is expected to provide at least secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment required if discharging into sensitive areas. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the UK Environment Agency, which enforces discharge permits to protect water quality. The treated effluent is discharged into the River Roch, a tributary of the River Irwell, which flows into the Manchester Ship Canal and eventually the Irish Sea. This watercourse supports diverse aquatic life and is important for regional biodiversity, requiring careful management of nutrient and pollutant loads.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the River Roch, which flows into the River Irwell and then the Manchester Ship Canal, ultimately reaching the Irish Sea. This watershed is ecologically sensitive, supporting fish populations and migratory species. The proximity to urban and industrial areas necessitates robust treatment to prevent eutrophication and protect downstream habitats.
Frequently asked questions
ROCHDALE STW is located at Roch Valley Way, Sudden, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England, OL11 4DB, United Kingdom.
ROCHDALE STW serves approximately 197,896 people in the Rochdale area.
The treated wastewater is discharged into the River Roch, which flows into the River Irwell and then the Manchester Ship Canal, eventually reaching the Irish Sea.
As a UK plant serving over 150,000 people, ROCHDALE STW operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) and is regulated by the UK Environment Agency, which issues discharge permits to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
For a large agglomeration of this size, the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive requires at least secondary treatment. If the receiving waters are sensitive, tertiary treatment for nutrient removal may also be mandated.
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