O Barco de Valdeorras, O Barco

Overview

O Barco de Valdeorras wastewater treatment plant serves the town of O Barco in Galicia, Spain. It handles wastewater for approximately 16,145 people under EU regulatory standards.

The O Barco de Valdeorras wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of O Barco, within the Valdeorras region of Ourense, Galicia, Spain. The plant serves a population of around 16,145 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU guidelines. As a Spanish facility, the plant 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, which are designated by member states. The plant's treated effluent likely discharges into a local watercourse that flows through the Sil River basin, eventually reaching the Miño River and the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding region is known for its slate mining and wine production, which can influence the local water environment.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Sil River basin, a tributary of the Miño River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean at the Ría de Vigo. The Miño-Sil basin supports diverse aquatic life, including migratory fish species such as Atlantic salmon and sea lamprey. The region's mountainous terrain and Atlantic climate contribute to seasonal flow variations, making consistent treatment important for downstream ecological health.

Frequently asked questions

The plant is located in O Barco, in the Valdeorras region of Ourense, Galicia, Spain.

The plant serves approximately 16,145 people.

The treated effluent is discharged into a local watercourse that flows into the Sil River basin, part of the Miño River system, which ultimately reaches the Atlantic Ocean.

Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, the plant, serving a population equivalent of over 10,000, is required to provide secondary treatment. If the receiving waters are designated as sensitive, tertiary treatment may be necessary.

For agglomerations of this size in Spain, secondary treatment is standard under the EU directive. Some plants may also incorporate nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas.