Vicente Lopez Wastewater Treatment Plant, José Cardel, Veracruz

The Vicente Lopez wastewater treatment plant is located in José Cardel, within the municipality of La Antigua, Veracruz, Mexico. This facility serves a small community of 4,564 residents, providing essential wastewater treatment for the area. The plant is situated near the coast, reflecting the region's coastal geography. The plant operates with secondary treatment, which is a standard biological process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. With a designed capacity of 518.40 cubic meters per day and a current discharge volume of 432.00 cubic meters per day, the plant operates below its full capacity. As a Mexican facility, it falls under national water quality regulations administered by CONAGUA (National Water Commission), which sets discharge standards for municipal wastewater. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the local environment, ultimately reaching the Gulf of Mexico via nearby rivers and coastal waters. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the coastal ecosystem and the health of downstream communities by reducing pollutant loads before discharge.

The plant discharges into the coastal watershed of Veracruz, with treated effluent flowing through local streams and rivers to the Gulf of Mexico. This region supports diverse marine life, including fish nurseries and mangrove habitats. The secondary treatment process helps reduce nutrient and organic loads, mitigating the risk of eutrophication in the sensitive coastal zone.