Overview
Comillas wastewater treatment plant serves the coastal town of Comillas in Cantabria, Spain. It operates under EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive standards for small agglomerations.
The Comillas wastewater treatment plant is located in the coastal town of Comillas, in the Cantabria region of northern Spain. The facility serves the local population as part of the municipal wastewater infrastructure, situated near the Bay of Biscay. As a plant in Spain, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which sets treatment requirements based on population size and receiving water sensitivity. For small agglomerations like Comillas, secondary treatment is typically required, with more advanced treatment if the discharge affects sensitive areas. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, ultimately reaching the Bay of Biscay. This coastal area supports diverse marine life and is important for regional fisheries and tourism. Proper treatment helps protect water quality along the Cantabrian coast.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Bay of Biscay, a productive marine ecosystem that supports commercial fisheries and migratory species. The Cantabrian coast is characterized by rocky shores and estuaries, with the nearby Río de la Rabia and other small streams draining into the bay. Effective wastewater treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect coastal water quality.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Comillas, a coastal town in the Cantabria region of northern Spain, near the Bay of Biscay.
The plant serves the town of Comillas, which has a population of around 2,000 residents, typical of a small coastal agglomeration.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, ultimately reaching the Bay of Biscay via small coastal streams.
Under the EU UWWTD, small agglomerations like Comillas (under 10,000 population equivalent) require appropriate treatment, typically secondary treatment, to protect coastal waters.
For small towns in Spain, secondary treatment is standard, often using activated sludge or biological filters, with disinfection if discharging near bathing areas.
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