Overview
AGHIOS NIKOLAOS CRETE wastewater treatment plant serves the municipality of Agios Nikolaos in Crete, Greece, with a population equivalent of 25,000. The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The AGHIOS NIKOLAOS CRETE wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete, Greece. Serving a population equivalent of 25,000, it is classified as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near the coastal area of Almyros, within the region of Lasithi. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), agglomerations of this size are required to provide secondary treatment as a minimum. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the discharge enters sensitive areas, which may apply given the coastal and tourism-sensitive nature of the region. The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, ultimately reaching the Sea of Crete, part of the broader Mediterranean Sea. The plant plays a key role in protecting the coastal waters and marine ecosystems of northeastern Crete, which support diverse aquatic life and are important for tourism and fisheries.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the coastal waters of the Sea of Crete, a sub-basin of the Mediterranean Sea. The receiving environment includes the Almyros area, which features a mix of sandy beaches and rocky shores. This region supports seagrass meadows and marine habitats that are ecologically sensitive. The plant's operation is critical to preventing nutrient enrichment and safeguarding water quality in a zone that experiences seasonal tourism pressure.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in the municipality of Agios Nikolaos, in the Lasithi regional unit of Crete, Greece. Its address is in the Almyros area, near the coast.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 25,000 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU standards.
The treated wastewater is discharged into the coastal waters of the Sea of Crete, likely via an outfall near Almyros. Coastal discharges are common in this region.
As a Greek facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations over 2,000 PE and more stringent treatment in sensitive areas.
For a medium agglomeration of 25,000 PE in Greece, secondary treatment is the minimum requirement under the EU UWWTD. If the discharge is to a sensitive area, tertiary treatment may be mandated to reduce nutrients.
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