TAZACORTE PUERTO Wastewater Treatment Plant, Tijarafe, Canarias

TAZACORTE PUERTO is a wastewater treatment plant located in Punta de Juan Graje, Tijarafe, on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain. The plant serves a population of 2,415 and is designed to handle up to 10,000 m³/day, with an average discharge volume of 339.46 m³/day. As a secondary treatment facility, it provides biological treatment to reduce organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. The plant operates under Spain's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The Canary Islands are classified as a sensitive area under the directive due to their coastal and marine environment, necessitating nutrient removal where applicable. The plant's capacity utilization is low, indicating ample headroom for future growth or seasonal variations. The treated effluent is discharged into the Atlantic Ocean, as the plant is located within 10 km of the coast. The surrounding marine environment supports diverse ecosystems, including seagrass meadows and coral habitats. The plant's operation is critical for protecting coastal water quality and preventing eutrophication in the nutrient-sensitive waters of the Canary Islands.

The plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean near the western coast of La Palma. The local watershed is characterized by steep volcanic terrain and ephemeral streams that drain directly to the sea. The coastal waters support ecologically sensitive habitats, including seagrass beds and rocky reefs, which are important for biodiversity and fisheries. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient loading and protect marine life in this oligotrophic ocean environment.