Overview
JAEN wastewater treatment plant serves the city of Jaén in Andalucía, Spain, with a population equivalent of 120,000. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale.
The JAEN wastewater treatment plant is located in Pozuela, Jaén, in the Andalucía region of southern Spain. It serves a population equivalent of approximately 120,000, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated inland, away from the coast, and its treated effluent likely discharges into a local river system. As a facility serving over 100,000 people, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary biological treatment as a minimum. For agglomerations of this size, the directive also mandates more stringent treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The regulatory framework ensures compliance with European standards. The plant's discharge ultimately flows into the Guadalquivir River basin, which drains into the Atlantic Ocean at the Gulf of Cádiz. The Guadalquivir is a major river in southern Spain, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and agricultural irrigation. The treatment plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in this basin, particularly downstream in the Doñana wetlands, an ecologically sensitive area that relies on clean water inputs.
Environmental context
The JAEN plant discharges into the Guadalquivir River basin, which flows southwest through Andalucía and empties into the Atlantic Ocean at the Gulf of Cádiz. The Guadalquivir supports a variety of aquatic life and is critical for irrigation and drinking water supply. Downstream, the river feeds the Doñana wetlands, a vital habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. Effective wastewater treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and maintain the ecological health of this important watershed.
Frequently asked questions
The JAEN wastewater treatment plant is located in Pozuela, Jaén, in the Andalucía region of southern Spain.
The plant serves a population equivalent of approximately 120,000 people, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Guadalquivir River basin, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean at the Gulf of Cádiz.
As a Spanish facility serving over 100,000 people, the JAEN plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment and potentially more stringent treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive.
For agglomerations of this size in Spain, the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive mandates secondary biological treatment as a minimum, and tertiary treatment may be required if the discharge is into sensitive areas such as the Guadalquivir basin.
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