Overview
REJAS wastewater treatment plant serves Madrid, Spain, with a population equivalent of 255,380. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, ensuring compliance with secondary treatment standards for large agglomerations.
The REJAS wastewater treatment plant is located in Madrid, within the Comunidad de Madrid, Spain. Serving a population equivalent of 255,380, it is classified as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near the Madrid-Barajas Airport, reflecting its role in managing urban and potentially industrial wastewater from the capital region. As a large agglomeration, REJAS is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment as a minimum, with tertiary treatment required if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The plant's treatment processes are designed to meet these standards, ensuring effective removal of organic matter and nutrients before discharge. The treated effluent from REJAS is discharged into the Manzanares River, a tributary of the Jarama River, which flows into the Tagus River and ultimately reaches the Atlantic Ocean near Lisbon. The Tagus basin is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for agriculture and urban use. The plant's operations help protect downstream ecosystems and maintain water quality in this important river system.
Environmental context
REJAS discharges into the Manzanares River, part of the Tagus River basin, which flows westward through Spain and Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean. The Tagus basin supports diverse aquatic habitats and is a critical water resource for both countries. The plant's treatment helps mitigate nutrient pollution and organic loading, safeguarding downstream ecological health and supporting biodiversity in the river and estuary.
Frequently asked questions
The REJAS plant is located in Madrid, Spain, near the Madrid-Barajas Airport in the Comunidad de Madrid region.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 255,380, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated effluent from REJAS is discharged into the Manzanares River, which flows into the Jarama River and then the Tagus River, eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
As a Spanish plant serving over 150,000 PE, REJAS operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), requiring secondary treatment and potentially tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive.
For large agglomerations in Spain, secondary treatment (biological treatment) is standard, with nutrient removal often required to protect sensitive water bodies like the Tagus basin.
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