South Ambersham STW, Chichester

Overview

South Ambersham STW serves Chichester, England, treating wastewater for approximately 13,564 people. The plant operates under the UK's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.

South Ambersham STW is a wastewater treatment plant located near Easebourne, Lodsworth, in the Chichester district of West Sussex, England. It serves a population of approximately 13,564 people, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under UK regulatory frameworks. As a UK plant, it operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for discharges to freshwater and estuaries from agglomerations of this size. And it is part of the national wastewater infrastructure managed by water companies in England. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local catchment, which drains into the River Rother and eventually into the English Channel. This contributes to the protection of downstream aquatic ecosystems, including the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which supports diverse birdlife and marine habitats.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the River Rother catchment, which flows into the English Channel near Chichester Harbour. This coastal area is ecologically sensitive, supporting migratory birds, saltmarsh, and seagrass beds. The plant's treatment helps reduce nutrient and pollutant loads that could otherwise impact these habitats.

Frequently asked questions

South Ambersham STW is located near Easebourne, Lodsworth, in the Chichester district of West Sussex, England.

The plant serves approximately 13,564 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under UK wastewater regulations.

The plant discharges treated effluent into the local River Rother catchment, which flows into the English Channel near Chichester Harbour.

The plant operates under the UK's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for discharges to freshwater from agglomerations over 10,000 population equivalent.

Under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent are required to provide secondary treatment, with additional nutrient removal if discharging to sensitive areas.