Overview
ALTEA wastewater treatment plant serves Altea, Comunitat Valenciana, Spain, with a population equivalent of 190,215. It is located within 50 km of the Mediterranean coast.
The ALTEA wastewater treatment plant is a major municipal facility serving the town of Altea and surrounding areas in the Comunitat Valenciana, Spain. With a population served of 190,215, it falls under the EU classification of a large agglomeration, requiring advanced treatment to protect sensitive coastal waters. As a large agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), the plant is expected to provide at least secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment likely needed due to discharge into a sensitive area. The designed capacity is 1. Likely m³/day or similar), indicating a substantial infrastructure investment. The plant's treated effluent ultimately reaches the Mediterranean Sea, a semi-enclosed sea with high ecological sensitivity. The coastal location underscores the importance of nutrient removal to prevent eutrophication and protect marine biodiversity, including seagrass meadows and fisheries.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Mediterranean Sea near Altea, part of the Costa Blanca. The receiving waters support diverse marine life, including Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, which are crucial for carbon sequestration and nursery habitats. The area is also a popular tourist destination, making water quality essential for both ecology and local economy.
Frequently asked questions
The ALTEA wastewater treatment plant is located in Altea, in the comarca of la Marina Baixa, province of Alacant/Alicante, Comunitat Valenciana, Spain.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 190,215, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Mediterranean Sea, given its proximity to the coast. The discharge likely occurs via an outfall pipe, with treatment designed to meet stringent coastal water quality standards.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires at least secondary treatment for large agglomerations, and likely tertiary treatment due to discharge into a sensitive coastal area.
In Spain, plants serving over 100,000 people typically employ secondary biological treatment (e. g. , activated sludge) followed by tertiary processes such as nutrient removal and disinfection, especially when discharging to sensitive coastal waters.
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