Overview
The Evora wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 47,500 people in Évora, Portugal. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale.
The Evora wastewater treatment plant is located in Évora, a city in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal. The facility serves an estimated population of 47,500, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near the Xarrama River, a tributary of the Sado River, and plays a key role in protecting local water quality. As a Portuguese facility, the Evora plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations with a population equivalent (PE) between 10,000 and 150,000. For larger agglomerations or discharges into sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be required. The regulatory framework ensures compliance with national and EU standards. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Xarrama River, which flows into the Sado River and ultimately reaches the Atlantic Ocean near Setúbal. The Sado estuary is an ecologically important area, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a habitat for migratory birds. Proper wastewater treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and protect the downstream ecosystem.
Environmental context
The Evora plant discharges into the Xarrama River, a tributary of the Sado River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean via the Sado estuary near Setúbal. The Sado estuary is a vital coastal ecosystem that supports diverse aquatic life, including fish, mollusks, and migratory birds. Effective wastewater treatment is critical to prevent eutrophication and maintain water quality in this sensitive downstream environment.
Frequently asked questions
The Evora plant is located in Évora, Portugal, near the Xarrama River at Ponte Antiga do Xarrama, Rua do Marceneiro, in the Malagueira e Horta das Figueiras parish.
The Evora plant serves approximately 47,500 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Xarrama River, a tributary of the Sado River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean via the Sado estuary.
The Evora plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of its size. National Portuguese regulations also apply.
Under the EU UWWTD, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent typically require secondary treatment. For sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be mandated to reduce nutrients.
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