ETE POCO - Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro

ETE POCO is an advanced wastewater treatment plant located in the Vista Verde neighborhood of Volta Redonda, within the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The plant serves a small population of 3,246 residents, providing advanced treatment to protect local water quality. As an advanced treatment facility, ETE POCO goes beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants, meeting high environmental standards. In Brazil, wastewater treatment plants are regulated by federal and state environmental agencies, with discharge permits issued by entities such as INEA (Rio de Janeiro State Environmental Institute). The plant's advanced treatment level aligns with the requirements for sensitive receiving waters. The treated effluent from ETE POCO ultimately flows into the Paraíba do Sul River basin, a major watercourse in southeastern Brazil. The Paraíba do Sul River supplies water to millions of people and supports diverse aquatic ecosystems. By providing advanced treatment, ETE POCO helps reduce nutrient loading and protects downstream water quality in the river and its eventual discharge into the Atlantic Ocean.

ETE POCO discharges into the Paraíba do Sul River basin, which flows through the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais before reaching the Atlantic Ocean near Campos dos Goytacazes. The river supports a rich diversity of fish and aquatic life, and its waters are used for drinking water supply, irrigation, and industrial purposes. Advanced treatment at this plant helps minimize eutrophication risks and protects the ecological health of the river and its estuary.