JAYENA Wastewater Treatment Plant, Jayena, Andalucía, Spain

JAYENA is a wastewater treatment plant located in Jayena, a municipality in the Comarca de Alhama, Granada, Andalucía, Spain. The plant was designed to serve a population of 1,300 and has a designed capacity of 2,500 cubic meters per day, with a recorded discharge volume of 235.62 cubic meters per day. It provided secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment for organic matter removal. The plant operated under Spain's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. Although the plant is now closed, its infrastructure was part of the regional wastewater management system in Andalucía, overseen by the Junta de Andalucía and local water authorities. The treated effluent from the plant would have discharged into local watercourses that drain into the Mediterranean Sea via the Guadalfeo River basin. The region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with seasonal rainfall, and the surrounding area includes agricultural lands and natural habitats. The plant's operation contributed to protecting downstream water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

The plant is located inland, more than 10 km from the coast, but within 50 km of the Mediterranean Sea. Its treated effluent would have flowed into local streams and rivers, eventually reaching the Guadalfeo River and then the Mediterranean Sea. The downstream environment supports diverse aquatic life and is important for regional biodiversity, including migratory bird species and native fish populations. Proper wastewater treatment helps prevent nutrient pollution and protects coastal waters from eutrophication.