Overview
NIGRAN wastewater treatment plant serves Nigrán, Galicia, Spain, with a population equivalent of 28,307. Located near the coast, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The NIGRAN wastewater treatment plant is located in Nigrán, a municipality in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain. It serves a population equivalent of 28,307, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated in the coastal region of the Rías Baixas, an area known for its estuarine ecosystems and tourism. As a Spanish facility, NIGRAN operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the discharge enters sensitive areas. Given the plant's coastal proximity, it likely adheres to additional nutrient removal standards to protect marine waters. The treated effluent from NIGRAN is discharged into the Atlantic Ocean via the Ría de Vigo, a large coastal inlet that supports diverse marine life, including shellfish beds and migratory fish. The plant plays a key role in maintaining water quality in this ecologically and economically important estuary, which is vital for local fisheries and tourism.
Environmental context
The NIGRAN plant discharges into the Ría de Vigo, a coastal inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in Galicia. This estuary supports rich biodiversity, including seagrass meadows and shellfish populations, and is an important area for migratory birds. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast underscores the need for effective treatment to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect marine habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The NIGRAN plant is located in Nigrán, in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain. Its address is Mouriscade, O Seixo, A Bouza Vella, Panxón, Nigrán.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 28,307, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU wastewater treatment regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Ría de Vigo, a coastal inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. This discharge is regulated under Spanish and EU water quality standards.
As a Spanish facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations over 2,000 population equivalent and more stringent treatment in sensitive coastal areas.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent are required to have secondary treatment. Coastal plants may also need tertiary treatment to reduce nutrients and protect marine ecosystems.
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