ETE Francisco Velludo - Major Wastewater Treatment Plant in Uberaba, Minas Gerais

ETE Francisco Velludo is a wastewater treatment plant located in the Jardim Noroeste neighborhood of Uberaba, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Serving an estimated population of 199,005, it is a key facility for the city's sanitation system, handling a significant portion of the municipal wastewater. As a large-scale plant in Brazil, it operates under the national regulatory framework for water resources and sanitation, which includes standards set by the National Environment Council (CONAMA) and the Ministry of Cities. For agglomerations of this size, secondary treatment is typically required to reduce organic load and protect receiving waters. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into local water bodies that ultimately drain into the Rio Grande, a major tributary of the Paraná River basin. This river system supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for agriculture and human consumption downstream, making effective treatment crucial for environmental health.

The plant discharges into the Rio Grande basin, which flows into the Paraná River and eventually reaches the Río de la Plata estuary. This watershed supports important ecosystems, including riparian forests and wetlands that provide habitat for fish and migratory birds. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and protect water quality in this ecologically sensitive region.