Overview
Areinho wastewater treatment plant serves Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, treating wastewater from approximately 28,000 people. The plant is located near the Douro River and operates under EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive standards.
Areinho is a wastewater treatment plant located in Oliveira do Douro, Vila Nova de Gaia, in the Porto district of Portugal. It serves a population of approximately 28,000 people, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under EU classification. The plant is situated near the Douro River, which flows through the historic port wine region. As a Portuguese facility, Areinho operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the discharge enters sensitive areas. The treated effluent from Areinho is discharged into the Douro River basin, which flows westward to the Atlantic Ocean at Porto. The Douro River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast means its discharge ultimately reaches the marine environment, requiring compliance with both freshwater and coastal water quality standards.
Environmental context
Areinho discharges into the Douro River watershed, which drains into the Atlantic Ocean near Porto. The Douro River is a major watercourse in the Iberian Peninsula, supporting diverse fish species and serving as a migratory route for diadromous fish. The downstream estuary and coastal zone are ecologically sensitive areas that benefit from regulated wastewater treatment to maintain water quality and protect marine habitats.
Frequently asked questions
Areinho WWTP is located in Oliveira do Douro, Vila Nova de Gaia, in the Porto district of Portugal. Its address is Travessa de Sa, Oliveira do Douro, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, 4430-394.
Areinho serves approximately 28,000 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent from Areinho is discharged into the Douro River basin, which flows westward to the Atlantic Ocean. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast means its discharge ultimately reaches the marine environment.
As a Portuguese plant, Areinho operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size and may require more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 people typically require secondary treatment (biological treatment) as a minimum. In sensitive areas, additional nutrient removal may be required.
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