Overview
COMBOA SOUTOMAIOR is an advanced wastewater treatment plant in O Rial, Galicia, Spain, serving about 2,355 people. It discharges 790.22 m³/day of treated effluent near the coast.
COMBOA SOUTOMAIOR is an advanced wastewater treatment plant located in O Rial, within the municipality of Soutomaior in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain. The plant serves a population of approximately 2,355 people, classifying it as a small agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). Its designed capacity is 2,411.00 m³/day, with a current discharge volume of 790.22 m³/day. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the secondary treatment standard required by the EU directive for agglomerations of this size. This level of treatment is particularly relevant given the plant's proximity to the coast, as it helps protect sensitive marine environments. The facility operates under Spain's national water regulations, which transpose EU directives and are enforced by regional authorities in Galicia. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that eventually flow into the Ría de Vigo, a coastal inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. This estuary supports diverse marine life and is an important ecological and economic resource for the region. The advanced treatment ensures that nutrient and pollutant loads are minimized, helping to preserve water quality in the downstream environment.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Ría de Vigo, a coastal estuary in the Atlantic Ocean. This water body is part of the Galician Rías Baixas, known for their high productivity and biodiversity, including shellfish beds and migratory bird habitats. The advanced treatment helps reduce nutrient enrichment and protects the ecological balance of the estuary, which is vital for local fisheries and tourism.
Frequently asked questions
COMBOA SOUTOMAIOR is located in O Rial, within the municipality of Soutomaior, in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain.
The plant serves approximately 2,355 people, classifying it as a small agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The plant discharges treated effluent into local watercourses that flow into the Ría de Vigo, a coastal estuary of the Atlantic Ocean.
The plant provides advanced treatment, which exceeds the secondary treatment standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive for agglomerations of this size.
As a small agglomeration in a coastal area, the plant is subject to the EU directive's requirements for appropriate treatment to protect sensitive environments. Its advanced treatment aligns with best practices for minimizing nutrient discharge into the Ría de Vigo.
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