MATARO Wastewater Treatment Plant: Serving Mataró, Catalunya, Spain

The MATARO wastewater treatment plant is located in Mataró, within the Maresme region of Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain. It serves a population of approximately 152,492, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated in an industrial area near the coast, reflecting the urban and economic character of the region. As a facility serving over 150,000 people, it is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment as a minimum, with tertiary treatment required for discharges into sensitive areas. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per day or similar unit), indicating its scale. Operational details and specific treatment processes are managed by local authorities to meet regulatory standards. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Mediterranean Sea via local drainage systems, given its proximity to the coast. Its operations are critical for protecting the marine environment and supporting the ecological health of the coastal waters, which are important for tourism and biodiversity in the region.

The MATARO plant discharges into the Mediterranean Sea, a semi-enclosed sea with limited water exchange, making it sensitive to nutrient pollution. The local watershed includes small coastal streams that drain the Maresme region. The receiving marine environment supports diverse aquatic life, including seagrass meadows and fish populations, which are vulnerable to eutrophication from untreated or poorly treated wastewater. The plant's treatment level is essential for maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive coastal area.