Overview
Alcañiz wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 31,000 people in Aragón, Spain. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale.
The Alcañiz wastewater treatment plant is located in Torre de los Frailes, Alcañiz, in the Bajo Aragón region of Aragón, Spain. It serves a population of approximately 31,171 people, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated inland, more than 50 km from the coast. As a facility in the European Union, the plant is subject to 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. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Ebro River basin. The Ebro River flows into the Mediterranean Sea, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for agriculture and industry. The plant plays a key role in protecting the water quality of this important river system.
Environmental context
The Alcañiz plant discharges into the Ebro River basin, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The Ebro River is one of Spain's largest rivers, supporting a rich ecosystem including migratory fish species and diverse aquatic habitats. The plant's operation helps maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive watershed, which is vital for downstream communities and the Ebro Delta, a region of high ecological importance.
Frequently asked questions
The Alcañiz wastewater treatment plant is located in Torre de los Frailes, Alcañiz, in the Bajo Aragón region of Aragón, Spain.
The plant serves approximately 31,171 people, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which flows into the Ebro River basin and ultimately reaches the Mediterranean Sea.
As a medium agglomeration (10,000-150,000 PE), the plant is required to provide secondary treatment under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). Additional tertiary treatment may be needed if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas.
In Spain, plants serving around 31,000 people typically employ secondary biological treatment, such as activated sludge or trickling filters, to meet EU standards. Some plants may also include nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas.
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