S Joao da Talha Wastewater Treatment Plant, Loures, Portugal

S Joao da Talha is a wastewater treatment plant serving the municipality of Loures in the Lisbon metropolitan area, Portugal. With a population equivalent of 130,000, it is classified as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated in the densely populated region of Santa Iria de Azoia, São João da Talha e Bobadela, along the Ribeirinho de Loures watercourse. As a large agglomeration, the plant is required to meet secondary treatment standards under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). The designed capacity of 1.00 cubic meters per second indicates a substantial infrastructure capable of handling significant wastewater flows. The plant's treatment processes are expected to comply with national and EU standards for nutrient removal, particularly in sensitive areas. The treated effluent is discharged into the Tagus River estuary, a major Atlantic coastal ecosystem. The estuary supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for birds. The plant's performance is critical for maintaining water quality in the Lisbon region and protecting the downstream marine environment.

The plant discharges into the Tagus River estuary, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Lisbon. This estuary is a vital habitat for fish, crustaceans, and migratory birds, and supports local fisheries and tourism. The plant's operations help reduce nutrient loading and protect the ecological balance of this sensitive coastal zone.