Overview
SURESTE wastewater treatment plant serves Agüimes in the Canary Islands, Spain. Located near the coast, it operates under EU regulations for wastewater management.
SURESTE is a wastewater treatment plant located in Arinaga, Agüimes, on the island of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, Spain. The plant serves the local municipality and is situated in a coastal area, reflecting the island's reliance on efficient wastewater infrastructure to protect its marine environment. As a Spanish facility, SURESTE operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which sets standards for collection, treatment, and discharge of urban wastewater. For coastal areas, the directive requires at least secondary treatment, with more stringent measures for sensitive zones. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per day or equivalent), indicating a small-scale facility typical of smaller agglomerations. The treated effluent from SURESTE is discharged into the Atlantic Ocean, given its proximity to the coast. The Canary Islands are ecologically sensitive, with diverse marine life and important coastal habitats. Proper wastewater treatment is crucial to prevent nutrient pollution and protect the surrounding waters, which support tourism and fisheries.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean near the southeastern coast of Gran Canaria. The surrounding waters are part of the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem, which supports diverse marine species including sea turtles, cetaceans, and endemic fish. The coastal zone includes seagrass meadows and rocky reefs that are sensitive to nutrient enrichment from wastewater. Effective treatment helps maintain water quality for recreational use and biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
SURESTE is located in Arinaga, Agüimes, on the island of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, Spain.
The designed capacity of SURESTE is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per day or equivalent), indicating a small-scale facility.
Given its coastal location, SURESTE discharges treated effluent into the Atlantic Ocean, following EU standards for marine discharge.
SURESTE operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for coastal discharges and stricter requirements for sensitive areas.
For small agglomerations in Spain, secondary treatment is standard, often using activated sludge or similar biological processes, with disinfection if required for coastal discharge.
Nearby plants