MUXIA Wastewater Treatment Plant, Muxía, Galicia, Spain

The MUXIA wastewater treatment plant is located in the coastal town of Muxía, in the province of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. It serves a population of 2,528, classifying it as a small agglomeration under Spanish and EU regulations. The plant is situated near the Atlantic coast, within 10 km of the shoreline, and plays a key role in protecting the local marine environment. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the secondary treatment standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for coastal discharges. With a designed capacity of 2,500 m³/day and an actual discharge volume of 740.55 m³/day, the facility operates well below its capacity, indicating room for future growth. As a Spanish plant, it operates under national regulations that transpose EU directives, with permits issued by the regional water authority (Augas de Galicia). The treated effluent is discharged into the Atlantic Ocean, likely via a coastal outfall. The receiving waters are part of the Costa da Morte region, known for its rugged coastline and rich marine biodiversity. The advanced treatment ensures minimal environmental impact, protecting nearby beaches and fishing grounds that are vital to the local economy and ecosystem.

The MUXIA plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean along the Costa da Morte, a stretch of coastline in Galicia known for its high-energy wave climate and diverse marine habitats. The area supports important fisheries and shellfish beds, and the advanced treatment helps maintain water quality for these resources. The plant's location within 10 km of the coast means its discharge directly influences the nearshore marine environment, where dilution and dispersion are aided by strong Atlantic currents.