Overview
GERNIKA wastewater treatment plant serves Gernika-Lumo, Euskadi, Spain, with a population of 25,218. It is located near the coast and operates under EU regulations.
The GERNIKA wastewater treatment plant is located in Gernika-Lumo, a town in the province of Bizkaia, within the autonomous community of Euskadi (Basque Country), Spain. The plant serves a population of approximately 25,218, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU classification. Its location near the coast places it in a sensitive environmental zone. As a Spanish wastewater facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. For coastal discharges, the directive may mandate more stringent treatment to protect marine waters. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into local water bodies that drain into the Bay of Biscay, part of the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding region includes the Urdaibai estuary, a ecologically important area that supports diverse aquatic life and migratory birds. The plant plays a key role in protecting this sensitive coastal ecosystem from nutrient pollution and pathogens.
Environmental context
The GERNIKA plant discharges into the Oka River basin, which flows into the Urdaibai estuary, a ecologically sensitive coastal wetland on the Bay of Biscay. This estuary supports diverse aquatic life, including fish and bird species, and is an important migratory corridor. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 50 km) means its effluent can directly impact marine water quality, making nutrient removal critical for preventing eutrophication in the Bay of Biscay.
Frequently asked questions
The GERNIKA plant is located in Gernika-Lumo, a town in the province of Bizkaia, within the autonomous community of Euskadi (Basque Country), Spain. Its address is Urbieta kiroldegia, Errekaegala kalea, Gernika-Lumo, Bizkaia, Euskadi, 48300.
The plant serves approximately 25,218 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU classification.
The plant discharges treated effluent into local water bodies that drain into the Urdaibai estuary and ultimately the Bay of Biscay. As a coastal plant, it likely requires advanced treatment to protect marine waters.
The plant protects the Oka River and the Urdaibai estuary, a ecologically sensitive coastal wetland that supports diverse aquatic life and migratory birds.
As a Spanish plant serving over 15,000 people, it falls under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment. Its coastal location may require more stringent treatment to prevent eutrophication in the Bay of Biscay.
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