Overview
STOWMARKET STW serves approximately 22,419 people in Mid Suffolk, England. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local water environment, contributing to the protection of the River Gipping and downstream ecosystems.
STOWMARKET STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in Mid Suffolk, Suffolk, England, serving a population of around 22,419. The plant is situated near the River Gipping and plays a key role in managing municipal wastewater for the area. As part of the United Kingdom's wastewater infrastructure, it operates under the regulatory framework of the UK Environment Agency, which enforces standards aligned with the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). Plants of this scale in the UK typically provide secondary treatment as a minimum, with tertiary treatment applied in sensitive catchments. The designed capacity of 1.00 (likely in megalitres per day or similar units) indicates the plant's intended throughput. The plant's operational status is active, serving the local community. The treated effluent from STOWMARKET STW is discharged into the River Gipping, which flows through Suffolk and eventually reaches the North Sea via the Orwell Estuary. This watercourse supports diverse aquatic life and is important for local biodiversity. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in the river, protecting downstream habitats and recreational uses.
Environmental context
STOWMARKET STW discharges into the River Gipping, a tributary of the Orwell Estuary, which flows into the North Sea. The river supports a variety of fish species and aquatic invertebrates, and its health is vital for the estuarine ecosystem. The plant's treatment helps reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, safeguarding water quality in the downstream environment.
Frequently asked questions
STOWMARKET STW is located in Mid Suffolk, Suffolk, England, near the River Gipping.
STOWMARKET STW serves approximately 22,419 people in the Mid Suffolk area.
The treated wastewater from STOWMARKET STW is discharged into the River Gipping, which flows into the Orwell Estuary and then the North Sea.
STOWMARKET STW helps protect the River Gipping and downstream waters including the Orwell Estuary and the North Sea.
STOWMARKET STW operates under the UK Environment Agency's permitting system, which implements standards from the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Plants serving over 15,000 people typically require secondary treatment.
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