Overview
Lamego wastewater treatment plant serves the city of Lamego in Portugal's Viseu district. It treats wastewater from approximately 14,600 people and discharges into the local watershed.
The Lamego wastewater treatment plant is located in the Balsemão area of Lamego, within the Viseu district of northern Portugal. Serving a population of around 14,600, this facility is part of the municipal wastewater infrastructure for the historic city of Lamego, known for its wine region and proximity to the Douro River. As a Portuguese treatment plant serving a medium-sized agglomeration, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for populations over 2,000 and more advanced treatment in sensitive areas. It is expected to meet national standards aligned with EU regulations. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, which ultimately drains into the Douro River basin. The Douro River flows west through Portugal's wine-growing region before reaching the Atlantic Ocean near Porto. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is important for agriculture and tourism in the region.
Environmental context
The Lamego plant discharges into the Douro River basin, a major Iberian watershed that flows from Spain through northern Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean. The Douro River and its tributaries support diverse aquatic ecosystems, including fish species such as the Iberian barbel and trout. The river is also a key resource for irrigation and the renowned Port wine industry. Downstream, the Douro estuary provides important habitat for migratory birds and marine life.
Frequently asked questions
The Lamego wastewater treatment plant is located in the Balsemão area of Lamego, in the Viseu district of northern Portugal.
The plant serves approximately 14,600 people in the city of Lamego and surrounding areas.
The treated effluent from the Lamego plant is discharged into the local water system, which flows into the Douro River basin and eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which sets standards for collection, treatment, and discharge of urban wastewater. Portuguese national regulations implement these requirements.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, agglomerations with a population equivalent between 10,000 and 150,000 require secondary treatment. In sensitive areas, more advanced treatment may be needed.
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