ATAMARIA Wastewater Treatment Plant, Cartagena, Región de Murcia, Spain

ATAMARIA is a wastewater treatment plant located near Cartagena in the Región de Murcia, Spain. It serves a population of approximately 8,439 people, placing it in the small agglomeration category under EU regulations. The plant is situated in the Campo de Cartagena y Mar Menor area, a region known for its agricultural and coastal significance. As a Spanish facility, ATAMARIA operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into freshwater or estuaries. The regulatory framework ensures that the plant meets appropriate standards for its scale and discharge environment. The treated effluent from ATAMARIA ultimately drains into the Mar Menor, a coastal lagoon of high ecological importance, via local watercourses. The Mar Menor is a hypersaline lagoon that supports diverse aquatic life and is a critical habitat for migratory birds. The plant's operations are essential for protecting this sensitive ecosystem from nutrient pollution and other contaminants associated with urban wastewater.

ATAMARIA discharges into the Mar Menor coastal lagoon, which is connected to the Mediterranean Sea. The Mar Menor is a hypersaline lagoon of significant ecological value, supporting seagrass meadows, fish nurseries, and migratory bird populations. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast underscores the importance of effective treatment to prevent eutrophication and maintain water quality in this sensitive marine environment.