Overview
South Elmsall STW serves approximately 33,932 people in Doncaster, England, as part of the UK's municipal wastewater infrastructure. The plant operates under UK regulations transposing the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
South Elmsall STW is a wastewater treatment plant located near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. It serves a population of around 33,932, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under UK regulatory frameworks. The facility is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and plays a key role in managing wastewater from the local community. As a UK wastewater treatment plant, South Elmsall STW operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations, which implement the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). For agglomerations of this size, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas. Regulatory standards ensure appropriate treatment levels. The treated effluent from South Elmsall STW is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Humber Estuary and the North Sea. The plant contributes to protecting the water quality of the River Don catchment and downstream ecosystems, supporting aquatic life and reducing nutrient pollution in the Humber Estuary.
Environmental context
South Elmsall STW discharges into local streams that feed into the River Don, which flows through South Yorkshire before joining the River Ouse and then the Humber Estuary. The Humber Estuary is a major ecological feature supporting diverse bird populations and fish species, including migratory salmonids. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this sensitive estuarine environment, reducing the risk of eutrophication and protecting downstream habitats.
Frequently asked questions
South Elmsall STW is located on Moorhouse Lane, near Hooton Pagnell, in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England.
The plant serves approximately 33,932 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under UK wastewater regulations.
Treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the River Don, eventually reaching the Humber Estuary and the North Sea.
The plant operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations, which implement the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), requiring secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size.
For agglomerations between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent, UK regulations typically require secondary treatment, with additional nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas.
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