ETE Ecologica Wastewater Treatment Plant, Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil

ETE Ecologica is a wastewater treatment plant located in the Retiro das Pedras community of Brumadinho, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The plant serves a population of around 5,748 people, placing it in the small agglomeration category under Brazilian regulatory frameworks. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required for municipal wastewater in Brazil under CONAMA Resolution 430/2011. This treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The plant discharges an average of 532.22 cubic meters of treated wastewater per day. The treated effluent is released into local water bodies that drain into the Paraopeba River basin, a tributary of the São Francisco River. The São Francisco River is one of Brazil's most important waterways, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and providing water for agriculture, industry, and human consumption. The plant's operation helps protect downstream water quality in this ecologically significant basin.

The treated effluent from ETE Ecologica enters local streams that flow into the Paraopeba River, a major tributary of the São Francisco River. The São Francisco River basin is a vital ecological corridor in eastern Brazil, supporting diverse fish species and providing water for millions of people. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce organic pollution and nutrient loading, which is crucial for maintaining water quality in this sensitive watershed.