Overview
Cuarte de Huerva wastewater treatment plant serves the Zaragoza area in Aragón, Spain, with a population equivalent of 51,471. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The Cuarte de Huerva wastewater treatment plant is located in the Zaragoza metropolitan area, within the autonomous community of Aragón, Spain. Serving a population equivalent of 51,471, it is classified as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its treated effluent likely discharges into the Ebro River basin, which ultimately flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), agglomerations with a population equivalent between 10,000 and 150,000 are required to have secondary treatment as a minimum. For plants in sensitive areas, more stringent tertiary treatment may be mandated. The Cuarte de Huerva plant, given its size and location, is expected to comply with these standards to protect the receiving water bodies. The plant plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local watershed, which is part of the Ebro River system. The Ebro River is one of Spain's major rivers, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and agricultural activities. Proper treatment at this facility helps reduce nutrient loads and pollutants, contributing to the ecological health of the river and the Mediterranean Sea downstream.
Environmental context
The Cuarte de Huerva plant discharges into the Ebro River basin, which flows through northeastern Spain before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea via the Ebro Delta. The delta is an ecologically sensitive area that supports diverse birdlife and aquatic species. Effective wastewater treatment is essential to prevent eutrophication and protect the delta's biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in the Zaragoza metropolitan area, in the autonomous community of Aragón, Spain. Its address is Cuarto Cinturón de Zaragoza, Torrero-La Paz, Zaragoza, Aragón, 50019.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 51,471, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Ebro River basin, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The plant is located inland, more than 50 km from the coast.
As a Spanish plant serving over 10,000 PE, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment as a minimum. Depending on the sensitivity of the receiving waters, tertiary treatment may be required.
For medium agglomerations in Spain, secondary treatment is standard. In sensitive areas like the Ebro Delta, advanced treatment with nutrient removal may be implemented to protect the environment.
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