Overview
IGUALADA wastewater treatment plant serves Vilanova del Camí, Catalunya, Spain, with a population equivalent of 83,334. The plant operates under EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomeration
The IGUALADA wastewater treatment plant is located in Vilanova del Camí, within the province of Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain. It serves a population equivalent of 83,334, classifying it as a medium-to-large agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated in the industrial area of Pla de Rigat, reflecting its role in managing both municipal and industrial wastewater from the region. As a plant in Spain, IGUALADA operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations with a population equivalent above 15,000. For larger agglomerations like this one, the directive also mandates more stringent treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive areas. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per day or similar unit), indicating its scale of operation. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the local water system, which ultimately drains into the Mediterranean Sea via the Llobregat River basin. The region's water bodies support diverse aquatic life and are important for agriculture and recreation. The plant plays a key role in protecting downstream water quality and maintaining the ecological health of the Catalan coastal environment.
Environmental context
The IGUALADA plant discharges into the Anoia River, a tributary of the Llobregat River, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona. The Llobregat basin is a vital water resource for the region, supporting agriculture, industry, and urban water supply. The downstream environment includes ecologically sensitive coastal areas that host diverse marine life and migratory bird species. Proper wastewater treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and protect these habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The IGUALADA plant is located at Carrer dels Tintorers, Polígon industrial Pla de Rigat, Vilanova del Camí, in the province of Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 83,334, making it a medium-to-large agglomeration under EU classification.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Anoia River, which flows into the Llobregat River and ultimately reaches the Mediterranean Sea.
As a Spanish plant, IGUALADA operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations over 15,000 PE and more stringent treatment in sensitive areas.
For agglomerations of this size, EU regulations mandate secondary treatment as a minimum. In sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be required to remove nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
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