Overview
La Herradura wastewater treatment plant serves the coastal town of La Herradura in Almuñécar, Andalucía, Spain. It treats wastewater for approximately 10,659 residents under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
La Herradura wastewater treatment plant is located in the coastal town of La Herradura, within the municipality of Almuñécar, in the province of Granada, Andalucía, Spain. The facility serves a population of approximately 10,659 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. As a Spanish plant, La Herradura operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for discharges into coastal waters from agglomerations of this size. Given its coastal location, the plant likely incorporates nutrient removal to protect the marine environment. The treated effluent is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea, which is a sensitive marine ecosystem supporting diverse aquatic life and tourism. The plant plays a crucial role in preventing untreated wastewater from affecting the coastal waters of the Costa Granadina, a popular tourist destination.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Mediterranean Sea along the Costa Granadina, a coastal region known for its beaches and marine biodiversity. The receiving waters support seagrass meadows and fish nurseries, making nutrient control essential to prevent eutrophication. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast underscores its role in protecting the marine environment from urban pollution.
Frequently asked questions
La Herradura WWTP is located in the town of La Herradura, within the municipality of Almuñécar, in the province of Granada, Andalucía, Spain.
The plant serves approximately 10,659 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea, likely via an outfall along the Costa Granadina coast.
As a Spanish plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for coastal discharges from agglomerations over 10,000 population equivalent.
For coastal plants of this scale, secondary treatment with nutrient removal is standard to comply with EU directives and protect marine ecosystems.
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