The Maqua wastewater treatment plant in Avilés will undergo an ambitious expansion and modernization project that will strengthen the sustainability of the water cycle in a key area due to its high industrial activity. The project, promoted by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge and valued at more than 48 million euros, it will significantly improve the plant's capacity and efficiency in the treatment of wastewater and rainwater, with actions that will directly impact the protection of the environment and the quality of service to citizens.
The contract has been awarded to the joint venture formed by Facsa, Espina Obras Hidráulicas and Alvargonzález Contratas won the contract against nine other bidders, including the country's leading construction companies. This award demonstrates the joint venture's ability to compete at the highest level in strategic infrastructure projects.
A complete renovation with cutting-edge solutions
The project, which has a three-and-a-half-year timeframe, involves a complete renovation of the facilities, enabling a more sustainable and efficient service for a population equivalent to 257,000 inhabitants. The future wastewater treatment plant will include a new biological treatment line with IFAS technology, which combines suspended and fixed biomass to guarantee high purification efficiency even in the face of variations in load, flow rate, or conductivity. Additionally, four secondary clarifiers, each 50 meters in diameter, will be constructed, and a physical-chemical treatment system with lamellar settling will be implemented for stormwater.
The project will also improve sludge treatment capacity through the renovation and expansion of the infrastructure involved in this phase. There will also be a significant change in energy efficiency, as the generated biogas will be used to produce thermal and electrical energy, thus improving the plant's energy self-sufficiency. Another new feature of the project that will make the plant more sustainable is the construction of new odor control infrastructure, helping to minimize the environmental impact on the surrounding area.
Wastewater treatment plants, key infrastructure in the face of climate phenomena
In a context marked by increasing pressure on water resources, investing in infrastructure designed according to the principles of the circular economy is essential to ensure efficient water use, preserve water quality, and adapt to phenomena such as prolonged droughts or torrential rains. In this regard, wastewater treatment plants built under the new biorefinery model play a key role in the transition to more resilient and sustainable water management. Within this framework, Facsa already plays a vital role in Avilés as the company responsible for operating the Maqua wastewater treatment plant, which gives it in-depth knowledge of both the facility and the challenges of the surrounding area.
The awarding of this project recognizes the company's technical capabilities and extensive experience in the design and execution of highly complex hydraulic infrastructure. With over 150 years of experience managing the entire water cycle—from collection to treatment—the company also engages in closely related activities such as waste valorization and bioenergy production. This further solidifies its position as a leading company in the sector, committed to the efficient, sustainable, and innovative management of water resources.
