Overview
MAQUA wastewater treatment plant serves Avilés, Asturias, Spain, with a population equivalent of 178,300. The facility is located near the coast and operates under EU regulations.
MAQUA is a wastewater treatment plant serving the city of Avilés in the Asturias region of northern Spain. With a population equivalent of 178,300, it is classified as a large agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD). The plant is situated near the coastal area of the Bay of Biscay, reflecting the region's industrial and urban character. As a large agglomeration, the plant is expected to provide at least secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment required if discharging into sensitive areas. The designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per second or similar unit), indicating a substantial infrastructure. The facility operates under Spain's national implementation of the UWWTD, which mandates compliance with discharge standards to protect water quality. The treated effluent likely discharges into the Bay of Biscay via the Avilés estuary or nearby coastal waters. This area supports diverse marine life and is important for local fisheries and tourism. The plant plays a key role in reducing nutrient and pollutant loads to the marine environment, helping to prevent eutrophication and maintain ecological balance.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge likely enters the Avilés estuary, which flows into the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean). This coastal zone is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse marine habitats including seagrass beds and fish nursery areas. Nutrient inputs from wastewater can contribute to eutrophication, so advanced treatment is critical for protecting water quality and marine biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
MAQUA is located in Avilés, Asturias, Spain, near the coast of the Bay of Biscay.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 178,300, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is likely discharged into the Avilés estuary, which flows into the Bay of Biscay.
MAQUA operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for large agglomerations and tertiary treatment in sensitive areas.
For agglomerations over 150,000 people, the EU UWWTD mandates secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment required if discharging into sensitive waters. Spanish plants often implement advanced treatment to meet coastal discharge standards.
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