Overview
FIRGAS is an advanced wastewater treatment plant in Firgas, Canarias, Spain, serving a population of 5,925. It discharges treated water near the coast, with a designed capacity of 6,000 m³/day.
FIRGAS is a wastewater treatment plant located in the municipality of Firgas, on the island of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, Spain. The plant serves a population of approximately 5,925 residents and operates with advanced treatment processes, ensuring high-quality effluent before discharge. The plant has a designed capacity of 6,000 cubic meters per day and currently treats an average volume of 705.49 cubic meters per day, indicating significant spare capacity. As a Spanish facility, it operates under the national transposition of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires advanced treatment for discharges into sensitive areas, including coastal zones. The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, which ultimately drains to the Atlantic Ocean. The Canary Islands are ecologically sensitive due to their unique marine ecosystems, and the plant's advanced treatment helps protect coastal waters and biodiversity. The region's volcanic terrain and limited freshwater resources make wastewater treatment crucial for both environmental protection and water reuse potential.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean near the northern coast of Gran Canaria. The surrounding marine environment supports diverse ecosystems, including seagrass meadows and coral formations, which are sensitive to nutrient pollution. Advanced treatment reduces the risk of eutrophication and protects the coastal waters that are vital for tourism and fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
The FIRGAS plant is located at Camino Los Dolores, Cambalud, Los Dolores, in the municipality of Firgas, on the island of Gran Canaria, Canarias, Spain.
The plant serves a population of approximately 5,925 residents in the Firgas area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local environment, which ultimately reaches the Atlantic Ocean. Given its proximity to the coast, the discharge is managed to protect marine ecosystems.
FIRGAS provides advanced treatment, which goes beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants, ensuring high-quality effluent suitable for discharge into sensitive coastal areas.
As a Spanish plant, FIRGAS operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates advanced treatment for discharges into sensitive areas like coastal zones. The plant's advanced treatment aligns with these requirements.
Nearby plants