Tarragona Wastewater Treatment Plant - Serving Tarragona, Catalunya, Spain

The Tarragona wastewater treatment plant is a major municipal facility serving the city of Tarragona in the autonomous community of Catalunya, Spain. With a population served of over 170,000, it is classified as a large agglomeration under European Union regulations. The plant is situated in the industrial zone of Francolí, near the Port of Tarragona, and plays a critical role in managing the region's wastewater. As a large agglomeration, the plant is expected to meet the requirements of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which mandates secondary treatment as a minimum and tertiary treatment in sensitive areas. The designed capacity of 1. The plant operates under Spain's national water regulations, which implement the EU directive. The treated effluent is discharged into the Francolí River, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea near the Port of Tarragona. This coastal discharge point is within 50 km of the coast, making the plant's performance important for protecting marine water quality. The receiving waters support diverse aquatic life and are used for recreation and fishing, highlighting the need for effective treatment.

The plant discharges into the Francolí River, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea at the Port of Tarragona. This coastal area is ecologically sensitive, supporting seagrass meadows and fish nurseries. The Mediterranean Sea is a semi-enclosed basin with limited water exchange, making it vulnerable to nutrient pollution. Effective wastewater treatment is essential to prevent eutrophication and protect marine biodiversity.