CANYAMEL Wastewater Treatment Plant, Capdepera, Illes Balears, Spain

CANYAMEL is a wastewater treatment plant located in Capdepera, on the island of Mallorca in the Illes Balears region of Spain. It serves a population of 2,103, placing it in the small agglomeration category under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). The plant is situated near the coastal area of Canyamel, a tourist destination on the eastern coast of the island. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the secondary treatment standard required by the EU directive for discharges into sensitive areas. With a designed capacity of 7,500 m³/day and an actual discharge volume of 747.06 m³/day, the plant operates well below its capacity, indicating room for future growth or seasonal demand. As a coastal facility, it is subject to stringent regulations to protect marine waters. The treated effluent is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea, likely via a marine outfall. The coastal waters of the Balearic Islands support diverse marine life, including seagrass meadows and fish populations. The advanced treatment helps minimize nutrient loading and protects the ecological health of the surrounding marine environment, which is important for both biodiversity and tourism.

The plant discharges into the Mediterranean Sea near the coast of Canyamel, a area known for its beaches and coastal ecosystems. The receiving waters are part of the Balearic Sea, which supports seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica) and diverse marine fauna. Advanced treatment reduces nutrient and pollutant loads, helping to prevent eutrophication and protect the sensitive coastal environment, which is vital for local fisheries and tourism.