GALIZANO Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ribamontán al Mar, Cantabria, Spain

GALIZANO is a wastewater treatment plant located in the Barrio Campo Juana area of Galizano, within the municipality of Ribamontán al Mar in Cantabria, Spain. The plant serves a population of 746 and is situated near the northern coast of Spain, reflecting the region's mix of rural and coastal communities. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. With a designed capacity of 2700 m³/day and an actual discharge volume of 405.56 m³/day, the plant operates well below its capacity, indicating room for future growth or seasonal variations. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Cantabrian Sea (Bay of Biscay). The coastal environment supports diverse marine life and is an important area for fisheries and tourism. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) underscores the need for effective treatment to protect coastal water quality.

The plant discharges into the Cantabrian Sea via local streams and rivers in the Ribamontán al Mar area. The coastal waters of the Bay of Biscay are ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse marine habitats and species. The region's watershed is influenced by Atlantic climate patterns, with seasonal rainfall affecting runoff and dilution. Proper wastewater treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect the area's ecological balance.