ETE PAES LEME Wastewater Treatment Plant, Imbituba, Santa Catarina, Brazil

ETE PAES LEME is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Imbituba, a coastal city in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The plant serves a population of 4,224 residents, classifying it as a small-scale facility within the region's sanitation infrastructure. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological process required under Brazilian regulations (CONAMA 430/2011) for inland and coastal discharges. The plant's discharge volume of 777.60 cubic meters indicates its operational scale. As a coastal facility, it must comply with stringent effluent quality standards to protect marine environments. The treated effluent is discharged into the Atlantic Ocean via local drainage systems. The coastal waters of Santa Catarina support diverse marine life and are important for local fisheries and tourism. Proper treatment at this plant helps reduce nutrient and pathogen loads, safeguarding water quality and public health along the southern Brazilian coast.

The plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean near Imbituba, within the Southern Brazilian coastal zone. This region features rocky shores, sandy beaches, and coastal lagoons that support diverse marine ecosystems, including fish, crustaceans, and migratory birds. The area is also influenced by the South Atlantic Convergence Zone, which brings seasonal rainfall and affects runoff patterns. Effective wastewater treatment is critical to prevent eutrophication and maintain water quality for recreational and economic activities.