Salamanca Wastewater Treatment Plant, Doñinos de Salamanca, Castilla y León

The Salamanca wastewater treatment plant is located in Doñinos de Salamanca, a municipality in the province of Salamanca, Castilla y León, Spain. It serves a population of approximately 550,000, covering the city of Salamanca and surrounding areas. The plant is situated near the Tormes River, which flows through the region. As a large agglomeration serving over 150,000 people, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC. This directive requires secondary treatment as a minimum, and tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The plant's treatment processes are designed to meet these standards, ensuring compliance with European regulations. The treated effluent is discharged into the Tormes River, a tributary of the Duero River. The Duero basin supports diverse aquatic life and is an important water resource for agriculture and ecosystems in the region. The plant plays a critical role in protecting water quality in the Tormes and Duero rivers, contributing to the ecological health of the downstream environment.

The Salamanca plant discharges into the Tormes River, which flows into the Duero River and eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean at Porto, Portugal. The Duero basin is a major ecological corridor supporting diverse fish species, including migratory species. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this sensitive river system, which is vital for local agriculture and biodiversity.