CALA DE MIJAS Wastewater Treatment Plant, La Cala, Mijas, Andalucía, Spain

CALA DE MIJAS is a wastewater treatment plant located in La Cala, Mijas, within the province of Málaga, Andalucía, Spain. The facility serves a population of around 9,800 people, placing it in the small-to-medium agglomeration category under Spanish and EU regulations. Its coastal location on the Costa del Sol makes it part of a densely populated tourist area with significant seasonal variations in wastewater flow. As a Spanish plant serving fewer than 10,000 people, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for discharges into coastal waters. Given its coastal setting, the facility likely incorporates nutrient removal to protect the marine environment. The treated effluent is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea, either directly or via a short outfall. The Costa del Sol coastline supports diverse marine life and is an important area for tourism and fisheries. Proper treatment is essential to prevent eutrophication and maintain water quality for recreational use.

The plant discharges into the Mediterranean Sea along the Costa del Sol, a coastal region known for its beaches and marine biodiversity. The receiving waters ultimately flow into the Alboran Sea, part of the western Mediterranean. This area supports seagrass meadows and fish nurseries, making nutrient control critical to avoid algal blooms and oxygen depletion. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast underscores the importance of effective treatment to protect the marine ecosystem.