Overview
VINAROS wastewater treatment plant serves a population of 55,131 in Spain. Located near the Mediterranean coast, it operates under EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive requirements for medium-sized agglomerations.
The VINAROS wastewater treatment plant is a municipal facility serving a population of approximately 55,131 in Spain. Its location near the Mediterranean coast places it within a region where wastewater management is critical for protecting coastal water quality and marine ecosystems. As a plant serving a population between 10,000 and 100,000, it falls under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) which requires secondary treatment as a minimum. For coastal discharges, the directive may require more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are considered sensitive areas. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in thousands of cubic meters per day), indicating a facility sized for its service population. The treated effluent from VINAROS ultimately discharges into the Mediterranean Sea, a semi-enclosed sea with limited water exchange, making it sensitive to nutrient pollution. Proper treatment helps prevent eutrophication and protects marine biodiversity, including seagrass meadows and fish habitats along the Spanish coast.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Mediterranean Sea, a water body with high ecological sensitivity due to limited tidal flushing and nutrient retention. The coastal waters near Vinaros support diverse marine life, including Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, which are critical for carbon sequestration and nursery habitats. Effective wastewater treatment is essential to prevent algal blooms and maintain water quality for tourism and fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
The VINAROS plant is located in Spain, near the Mediterranean coast. Its coordinates are approximately 40.466 N, 0.510 E, placing it in the province of Castellon in the Valencian Community.
The plant serves a population of 55,131 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU wastewater treatment regulations.
The treated effluent from VINAROS is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea. As a coastal plant, it must meet stringent treatment standards to protect marine water quality and ecosystems.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. Coastal discharges may require additional treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas.
In Spain, plants serving populations between 10,000 and 100,000 typically provide secondary treatment (biological treatment) as a minimum. Many also incorporate nutrient removal to meet EU standards for sensitive areas, especially near the coast.
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