RICAO Wastewater Treatment Plant, Parres, Asturias, Spain

RICAO is a wastewater treatment plant located in Parres, Asturias, Spain, serving a population of 51,620. The plant is situated in the northern coastal region of Spain, near the Sella River basin, and plays a key role in managing municipal wastewater for the area. As a medium-sized agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), RICAO is required to provide at least secondary treatment. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the discharge enters sensitive areas, which are common in coastal regions like Asturias. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in thousands of cubic meters per day), indicating it is sized to handle the local population's wastewater. The treated effluent from RICAO ultimately discharges into the Cantabrian Sea via local rivers, such as the Sella River. This coastal discharge requires compliance with stringent environmental standards to protect marine ecosystems. The plant's operation contributes to maintaining water quality in the region, supporting both ecological health and recreational uses of the coastal waters.

RICAO discharges treated wastewater into the Sella River, which flows into the Cantabrian Sea. This coastal region supports diverse marine life and is important for local fisheries and tourism. The plant's discharge must meet EU standards to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect sensitive coastal habitats.