Overview
The CHERSONISSOS wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 40,000 people in the municipality of Chersonissos, Crete, Greece. It is located near the coast and discharges into the Cretan Sea.
The CHERSONISSOS wastewater treatment plant is a municipal facility serving the densely populated tourist area of Chersonissos on the northern coast of Crete, Greece. With a population equivalent of 40,000, it is classified as a medium-to-large agglomeration under Greek and EU regulations. The plant is situated in the Heraklion regional unit, within the Decentralized Administration of Crete. As a Greek facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into coastal waters. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The treated effluent is discharged into the Cretan Sea, part of the Aegean Sea and ultimately the Mediterranean Sea. The coastal waters near Chersonissos support marine biodiversity and are important for tourism and fisheries. Proper treatment is essential to protect water quality and prevent eutrophication in this ecologically sensitive marine environment.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Cretan Sea, a part of the Aegean Sea that connects to the Mediterranean Sea. The coastal zone near Chersonissos is a popular tourist destination, and the marine environment supports diverse aquatic life, including seagrass meadows and fish populations. Nutrient loading from wastewater could impact water quality and lead to algal blooms, making effective treatment critical for preserving the ecological balance of the coastal ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in the community of Chersonissos, within the municipality of Chersonissos, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece.
The plant serves approximately 40,000 people, corresponding to a medium-to-large agglomeration under EU classification.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Cretan Sea, which is part of the Aegean Sea and ultimately the Mediterranean Sea.
As a Greek facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for coastal discharges from agglomerations of this size.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving over 10,000 population equivalent are required to have secondary treatment. For coastal discharges, this is the standard, unless the receiving waters are designated as sensitive, in which case tertiary treatment may be required.
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