Overview
ETE OURO BRANCO is a wastewater treatment plant serving Congonhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It treats wastewater for a population of approximately 23,564, discharging into local water bodies.
ETE OURO BRANCO is a wastewater treatment plant located in Congonhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The plant serves a population of about 23,564 people, placing it in the medium-agglomeration category for Brazilian wastewater infrastructure. As a facility in Brazil, ETE OURO BRANCO operates under the national regulatory framework established by the National Environment Council (CONAMA) and state-level environmental agencies. For agglomerations of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required to meet effluent standards before discharge. The plant's treated effluent is released into local watercourses that drain into the Paraopeba River basin, part of the larger São Francisco River watershed. This river system supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for downstream communities, making proper treatment essential for environmental protection.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into tributaries of the Paraopeba River, which flows into the São Francisco River, one of Brazil's most important watercourses. The São Francisco basin supports a wide range of aquatic biodiversity and is vital for agriculture, industry, and drinking water in the region. Proper treatment helps protect these downstream ecosystems from nutrient pollution and pathogens.
Frequently asked questions
ETE OURO BRANCO is located on MG-443 in the Lobo Leite district of Congonhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
The plant serves approximately 23,564 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under Brazilian wastewater standards.
The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that are part of the Paraopeba River basin, which ultimately flows into the São Francisco River.
The plant operates under Brazil's CONAMA resolutions and state-level environmental permits, which set effluent quality standards for wastewater treatment plants.
For medium-sized agglomerations in Brazil, secondary treatment is typically required to meet discharge standards, often using activated sludge or similar biological processes.
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