Modernised wastewater treatment plant in Bétera, Valencia helps protect the environment

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“We are working to make up for lost time, to guarantee the quality of the water for the people and to improve the water in our rivers and on our beaches, because we are at the service of the people and it is a matter of public and environmental health.”Isaura Navarro, former Minister for Agriculture, the Environment, Climate Change and Rural Development, Regional Government of Valenciahe main aim of the project was to bring the plant into line with EU requirements regarding the quality of water discharged into rivers and seas – in this case, the Carraixet river, on which Bétera stands, and the Mediterranean.An extended aeration network in the new biological reactor and homogenisation tank has improved the  treatment of wastewater. It is estimated that the quantity of wastewater treated will increase by 145 %. Much more organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorous can now be removed so that the water is suitable for discharge.Clean energyPhotovoltaic panels with a maximum power output of 75 kilowatts have been installed. The energy that they generate is used for the operation of the plant, reducing its carbon footprint by 32 tonnes of CO2 a year.The plant’s electricity consumption has also been cut as a consequence of the replacement of the old sludge dewatering centrifuge, the relocation of the sludge storage tanks, the fitting of LED lighting and the installation of skylights to take advantage of natural light.A healthier environmentWork at the plant will improve the quality of water in the municipality of Bétera and nearby towns situated along the Carraixet. As much of the treated water ultimately finds its way into the sea, the quality of the water on the coast will likewise be improved. Purification of water with a view to its reuse is vital in a region like the Mediterranean basin, which is characterised by scarcity of water, irregular and sometimes intense rainfall, and a high population density and much human activity.In addition, sludge resulting from the water treatment process is rich in nutrients, making it a valuable agricultural resource. It is therefore reused in farming in the region.Thanks to the project, residents of the Camp de Túria district, in which Bétera is located, and of the coastal zones around the mouth of the Carraixet, in the municipality of Alboraya, will benefit from a healthier environment. This will have a positive impact on tourism, the economy and job creation, particularly on the coast, underlining the project’s strategic importance for the sustainable development of the area.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “Extension and modernisation work on the waste water treatment plant in Bétera (Valencia)” is EUR 7 874 606, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 3 937 303 through the “Comunidad Valenciana” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency”.