SUECA Wastewater Treatment Plant, Sueca, Comunitat Valenciana, Spain

The SUECA wastewater treatment plant is located in Sueca, a municipality in the Ribera Baixa comarca of Valencia, Comunitat Valenciana, Spain. It serves a population equivalent of 27,555, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near the Albufera Natural Park, a coastal lagoon ecosystem of high ecological value. As a Spanish facility, SUECA operates under the national transposition of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). For agglomerations between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent, the directive requires secondary treatment as a minimum, with more stringent treatment in sensitive areas. The Albufera lagoon and its surrounding wetlands are designated as a sensitive area under the directive, necessitating nutrient removal (tertiary treatment) to protect the water body from eutrophication. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Albufera de València lagoon, a coastal lagoon connected to the Mediterranean Sea. The Albufera is a vital wetland habitat for migratory birds and supports diverse aquatic life. The plant's operation is critical to maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive area, which is also used for rice cultivation and tourism.

The SUECA plant discharges into the Albufera de València lagoon, a shallow coastal lagoon that connects to the Mediterranean Sea via several channels. The lagoon is part of a larger wetland system that supports a rich diversity of bird species, fish, and aquatic plants. The area is ecologically sensitive due to its role as a stopover for migratory birds and its importance for local fisheries and agriculture. Nutrient loading from wastewater can lead to eutrophication, so advanced treatment is essential to preserve the lagoon's ecological balance.