Overview
GURIEZO wastewater treatment plant serves the municipality of Guriezo in Cantabria, Spain. It is designed for a capacity of 1.00 and serves a population of 9,026.
The GURIEZO wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Guriezo, in the Cantabria region of northern Spain. The facility serves a population of approximately 9,026 residents, placing it in the small to medium agglomeration category under Spanish and EU regulations. As a Spanish wastewater treatment plant, GURIEZO operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into freshwater or estuaries. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00, and it is situated within 50 km of the coast, indicating potential influence on coastal water quality. The plant's treated effluent likely discharges into local watercourses that flow toward the Bay of Biscay, part of the Atlantic Ocean. The Cantabrian coast is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse marine life and important fisheries. Proper treatment is essential to protect these downstream environments from nutrient pollution and other contaminants.
Environmental context
The GURIEZO plant is located in the Agüera River valley, with treated effluent likely entering the Agüera River, which flows northward into the Bay of Biscay. The Cantabrian Sea is a productive marine ecosystem supporting commercial fisheries and diverse marine species. Nutrient loading from wastewater can contribute to eutrophication in coastal areas, making effective treatment critical for preserving water quality and aquatic habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The GURIEZO plant is located in the municipality of Guriezo, in the Cantabria region of northern Spain, near the Agüera River valley.
The plant serves a population of approximately 9,026 residents, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under EU guidelines.
The treated effluent is likely discharged into local watercourses that flow into the Agüera River, which ultimately reaches the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean.
As a Spanish facility, GURIEZO operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into freshwater or coastal waters.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving between 2,000 and 10,000 population equivalent are required to have secondary treatment, which typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids.
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