Overview
ST ANDREWS WWTW serves approximately 19,400 people in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. The plant operates under UK wastewater regulations and discharges treated effluent into the local environment.
ST ANDREWS WWTW is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located near St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. It serves a population of around 19,400, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under UK and EU regulatory frameworks. The plant is situated near the coast of the North Sea, within 50 km of the shoreline. Under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which the UK implemented prior to Brexit, agglomerations of this size are required to provide secondary treatment as a minimum. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in megalitres per day or similar unit), indicating a facility sized to handle the local population's wastewater. The treated effluent from ST ANDREWS WWTW ultimately discharges into the North Sea via local watercourses. The receiving environment includes the Firth of Forth and the coastal waters of eastern Scotland, which support diverse marine life and are important for fisheries and tourism. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in this sensitive coastal area.
Environmental context
ST ANDREWS WWTW discharges into the coastal waters of the North Sea via local streams and the Firth of Forth. This region supports diverse marine ecosystems, including important fish stocks and seabird colonies. The plant's operation helps maintain water quality in a coastal area valued for recreation and tourism.
Frequently asked questions
ST ANDREWS WWTW is located near St Andrews in Fife, Scotland, on the A917 road in Boarhills. The plant serves the town of St Andrews and surrounding areas.
The plant serves approximately 19,400 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under UK wastewater regulations.
Treated effluent from the plant is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the Firth of Forth and ultimately the North Sea. The discharge is regulated to protect coastal water quality.
The plant operates under the UK's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. Discharge permits are issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
Under UK regulations, plants serving over 10,000 population equivalent typically require secondary treatment as a minimum. Many also incorporate nutrient removal to protect sensitive coastal waters.
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