Archea Olympia Wastewater Treatment Plant - Skillounta, Greece

The Archea Olympia wastewater treatment plant is situated in the municipal unit of Skillounta, within the municipality of Andritsaina-Krestena, in the regional unit of Ilia, western Greece. The plant serves a population of approximately 2,472 people and is part of the region's wastewater infrastructure, operating under Greek national regulations that transpose the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the secondary treatment typically required for agglomerations of this size under the EU directive. Advanced treatment is often implemented in sensitive areas to reduce nutrients and protect receiving waters. The plant has a designed capacity of 11,833 cubic meters per day, with a reported discharge volume of 838.20 cubic meters per day, indicating it operates well below its capacity. The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, which ultimately drains into the Ionian Sea. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means its discharge can affect coastal water quality and marine ecosystems. The region is known for its agricultural activity and tourism, making effective wastewater treatment important for protecting both public health and the environment.

The plant discharges into a watershed that flows toward the Ionian Sea, a semi-enclosed sea with limited water exchange. The coastal zone supports diverse marine life, including seagrass meadows and fish spawning grounds. Nutrient inputs from wastewater can contribute to eutrophication, so advanced treatment helps mitigate this risk. The area is also influenced by seasonal tourism, which increases population and wastewater loads during summer months.