Analysis of the Visual Impact of the Treatment Plants in Monfrague National Park, Caceres

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the construction of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in rural settings as a result of the obligations set forth in Directive 91/271 and Framework Directive 2000/60, which require an improvement in the quality of wastewater effluent in order to meet certain quality parameters in the discharge receiving waters. These new structures substantially modify the landscape in the vicinity of the facility locations. Therefore, this study aims to provide certain solutions in an effort to reduce the visual impact of these facilities on their natural environments. To conduct this research, four treatment plants located in Monfragüe National Park (Cáceres) and the surrounding area were selected. In order to perform the analysis of the visual impact, the quantitative landscape assessment method was applied, taking images of both the initial situation and different simulations, and using continuity and contrast models to identify the degree of integration of a WWTP into its surroundings. Subsequently, a survey was conducted to compare the results of the quantitative analysis and the visual perceptions of individuals with no knowledge of the methodology employed in the analysis. When the process was finished, the conclusion was reached that an ideal solution might be to bury these structures underground. As this solution is not feasible, recreation of the immediate natural setting is considered the most suitable option for mitigating the visual impact that the WWTP could have on the views seen by an observer from the outside.