Overview
Praia da Tocha wastewater treatment plant serves 7,200 people in Figueira da Foz, Portugal. Located near the coast, it operates under EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive standards.
Praia da Tocha is a wastewater treatment plant located in the coastal town of Praia da Tocha, part of the Figueira da Foz municipality in the Coimbra district of Portugal. The plant serves a population of approximately 7,200 residents, reflecting a small to medium agglomeration typical of coastal settlements in the region. As a Portuguese 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 stringent treatment in sensitive areas, which may apply given the plant's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The treated effluent is discharged into the Atlantic Ocean via the local coastal environment. The plant plays a key role in protecting the water quality of the nearby beaches and marine ecosystem, which support tourism and local biodiversity. The region's drainage ultimately flows into the Atlantic, contributing to the broader marine environment.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean near Praia da Tocha, a coastal area within the Figueira da Foz region. The receiving waters support diverse marine life and are important for local fisheries and tourism. The plant's operation helps maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive coastal zone, which is part of the larger Atlantic basin.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Praia da Tocha, a coastal town within the municipality of Figueira da Foz, in the Coimbra district of Portugal.
The plant serves approximately 7,200 people, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under EU classification.
The treated wastewater is discharged into the Atlantic Ocean, as the plant is located within 50 km of the coast.
Under the EU UWWTD (91/271/EEC), agglomerations of 7,200 people are required to have at least secondary treatment, with possible additional nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive coastal areas.
For small to medium agglomerations in Portugal, typical treatment includes secondary biological processes such as activated sludge or trickling filters, often followed by disinfection for coastal discharges.
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