Withernsea Outfall STW, Withernsea

Overview

Withernsea Outfall STW serves the coastal town of Withernsea, England, with a designed capacity of 1.00. The plant treats wastewater for approximately 6,526 people and discharges into the North Sea.

Withernsea Outfall STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in Withernsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It serves a population of approximately 6,526 residents in this coastal town on the North Sea coast. The plant is situated near Hollym and operates as part of the region's municipal wastewater infrastructure. The plant operates under the UK's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for discharges to coastal waters. The designed capacity of 1.00 indicates a small-scale facility appropriate for the population served. The plant's discharge is regulated by the Environment Agency under the Water Resources Act 1991. The treated effluent from Withernsea Outfall STW is discharged into the North Sea via an outfall pipe. The North Sea is a productive marine ecosystem supporting diverse fish stocks, seabird colonies, and marine mammals. The plant's coastal location necessitates careful management to protect water quality and marine life in the receiving waters.

Environmental context

Withernsea Outfall STW discharges treated wastewater directly into the North Sea, a major marine basin that borders several European countries. The North Sea supports important fisheries, including cod, haddock, and herring, and provides habitat for seabirds and marine mammals such as seals and porpoises. The coastal waters near Withernsea are part of a dynamic coastal environment influenced by tides and currents, which help disperse effluent. Protecting water quality is essential to maintain the ecological health of this productive marine area.

Frequently asked questions

Withernsea Outfall STW is located in Withernsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, England, near the village of Hollym. The plant is situated close to the North Sea coast.

The plant serves approximately 6,526 people in the town of Withernsea and surrounding areas.

The plant discharges treated effluent into the North Sea via an outfall pipe. The discharge is regulated to protect marine 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 coastal discharges. The Environment Agency issues permits under the Water Resources Act 1991.

For small coastal agglomerations in the UK, secondary treatment is typically required to meet standards for biological oxygen demand and suspended solids. The plant's designed capacity of 1.00 suggests it is appropriately sized for the population served.