Overview
ALCUDIA wastewater treatment plant serves Alcúdia, Illes Balears, Spain, with a population equivalent of 59,631. Located near the coast, it discharges into the Mediterranean Sea.
The ALCUDIA wastewater treatment plant is located in Alcúdia, on the island of Mallorca in the Illes Balears region of Spain. It serves a population equivalent of 59,631, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under EU classification. The plant is situated near the coastal area of Port d'Alcúdia, a popular tourist destination. As a Spanish 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 plant's coastal location means it must meet stringent standards to protect marine environments. The treated effluent is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea, specifically the Bay of Alcúdia. This area supports diverse marine life and is ecologically sensitive due to seagrass meadows and fish spawning grounds. The plant plays a crucial role in preventing nutrient pollution and safeguarding water quality for tourism and local ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Mediterranean Sea via the Bay of Alcúdia, which ultimately connects to the broader Mediterranean basin. This coastal area supports seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica) that are vital for carbon sequestration and marine biodiversity. The region is also a key migratory corridor for seabirds and sea turtles, making nutrient control critical to prevent eutrophication and habitat degradation.
Frequently asked questions
The ALCUDIA plant is located in Alcúdia, on the island of Mallorca in the Illes Balears region of Spain, near the Port d'Alcúdia coastal area.
The treated wastewater is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea, specifically into the Bay of Alcúdia, which is a coastal marine environment.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 59,631, which classifies it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
As a Spanish plant serving over 15,000 people and discharging into coastal waters, it must comply with the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment and, in sensitive areas, tertiary treatment to protect marine ecosystems.
For agglomerations of this size in Spain, secondary treatment (biological treatment) is standard. Coastal plants may also require additional nutrient removal to meet EU standards for sensitive areas, such as the Mediterranean coast.
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