Overview
WASHINGTON STW serves approximately 72,000 people in Sunderland, England. The plant operates under the UK's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
WASHINGTON STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, serving a population of around 72,063. It is part of the Northumbrian Water network and plays a key role in managing wastewater for the Washington area. The plant is situated inland but within 50 km of the coast, indicating its discharge ultimately reaches the North Sea. As a medium-to-large agglomeration, the plant is expected to meet secondary treatment standards under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), transposed into UK law. The designed capacity is 1. The treated effluent from WASHINGTON STW likely discharges into the River Wear or its tributaries, which flow eastward into the North Sea at Sunderland. The River Wear supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for salmon and sea trout. The plant's operation helps protect the water quality of the river and the coastal environment of the North Sea.
Environmental context
WASHINGTON STW discharges into the River Wear catchment, which flows into the North Sea at Sunderland. The River Wear is a key habitat for salmon, sea trout, and other freshwater species, and its estuary supports wading birds and marine life. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive river system and the downstream coastal waters.
Frequently asked questions
WASHINGTON STW is located in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, United Kingdom. Its address is Northumbrian Water hide, Wet Wood footpath, Washington, Sunderland, NE38 8LE.
WASHINGTON STW serves approximately 72,063 people in the Washington area of Sunderland.
WASHINGTON STW likely discharges treated effluent into the River Wear or its tributaries, which flow into the North Sea. The plant is within 50 km of the coast, so its discharge ultimately reaches the sea.
WASHINGTON STW operates under the UK's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of over 15,000 people. The plant serves 72,063 people, so it must meet secondary treatment standards.
For agglomerations of this size, the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive mandates secondary treatment as a minimum. Many plants also incorporate tertiary treatment to further reduce nutrients and protect sensitive water bodies like the River Wear.
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