The Quart-Benàger WWTP in Valencia operational after Storm DANA with the support of SOCOTEC Intercontrol
The Quart-Benàger Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Valencia, one of the infrastructures most affected by Storm DANA in October 2024, is now provisionally operational thanks to the technical contribution in hydraulic engineering from the SOCOTEC Intercontrol team.
The Quart-Benàger Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), one of the largest wastewater treatment facilities for the Quart-Benàger Users' Community (which includes the municipalities of Alaquàs, Aldaia, Manises, Mislata, Quart de Poblet, and Xirivella), suffered severe damage, rendering the infrastructure inoperative.
Its sanitation system, comprising 25,980 meters of pipelines, four pumping stations (EB Turia, EB Quart, EB Mislata, and EB València), and a motorized gate in the Azarbe de Xirivella, was completely flooded. The collector network, which transports all water to the WWTP in Xirivella, also went out of service
The emergency repair works for the facilities, with an estimated period of 18 months, were awarded to SOCOTEC Intercontrol for construction management and health and safety coordination, and were carried out in collaboration with GLOBAL OMNIUM MEDIOAMBIENTE for their execution.
📷 SOCOTEC Intercontrol & EPSAR
Crucial developments
Facility recovery
As an immediate response, an exhaustive review of all plant components was carried out. This allowed for the precarious activation of the electrical system and the start-up of the preliminary treatment.
Over the past few months, the plant's processes have been progressively recovering. Both the preliminary treatment and the biological process became operational again in early 2025.
Additionally, an alternative system for disinfecting treated water is now functioning, achieving zero discharge into the new Turia riverbed and enabling water reuse for irrigation. This system will remain in service until the new UV disinfection equipment arrives at the plant later this year.
With the launch of disinfection, nearly the entire plant is operational, with the exception of the tertiary treatment. This section was severely affected, requiring equipment replacement, and we're currently awaiting its delivery for substitution.
As an immediate response, an exhaustive review of all plant components was carried out. This allowed for the precarious activation of the electrical system and the start-up of the preliminary treatment.
Over the past few months, the plant's processes have been progressively recovering. Both the preliminary treatment and the biological process became operational again in early 2025.
Additionally, an alternative system for disinfecting treated water is now functioning, achieving zero discharge into the new Turia riverbed and enabling water reuse for irrigation. This system will remain in service until the new UV disinfection equipment arrives at the plant later this year.
With the launch of disinfection, nearly the entire plant is operational, with the exception of the tertiary treatment. This section was severely affected, requiring equipment replacement, and we're currently awaiting its delivery for substitution.
Wastewater Plant Restored in Record Time
Currently, the inflow to the Quart-Benàger WWTP is normal, and discharge authorization parameters are being met perfectly.
Significant work has also been completed in other key areas: Quart and Turia pumping stations have been repaired, including the replacement of automatic coarse screens in both.
Furthermore, the extensive 25-kilometer collector network has been thoroughly inspected using an amphibious camera robot. This inspection confirmed its excellent condition and identified specific repair points, such as the well in Quart de Poblet.
"The coordinated effort between the contracting company and the Site Management team, combined with agile resource management by the Administration, has allowed for the recovery of the plant's operations in record time, thereby minimizing the discharge of untreated flows"
SOCOTEC Intercontrol's extensive experience was crucial in this process. Their prior knowledge of the facilities, gained as technical assistance for the operational control and maintenance of infrastructures managed by EPSAR in Zone III (Valencia North 2), was fundamental
This, combined with their track record in hydraulic engineering projects at other WWTPs in the Valencian Community (such as those in Alcoy or Pinedo), has been key to understanding the existing infrastructure and guiding its repair within such a tight deadline, already achieving 50% certification of the work.
