Overview
Atico wastewater treatment plant in La Florida, Arequipa, Peru, provides secondary treatment for a small population of 1,439. It discharges 691.20 cubic meters of treated wastewater daily near the Pacific coast.
The Atico wastewater treatment plant serves the community of La Florida in the Arequipa region of southern Peru. Located in the coastal district of Caravelí, this facility handles wastewater for a small population of approximately 1,439 residents, reflecting its role in a rural coastal setting. The plant operates with secondary treatment, which is appropriate for its scale and typical for small agglomerations in Peru. Under Peruvian regulations, wastewater treatment plants are required to meet discharge standards set by the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation. The plant's daily discharge volume of 691.20 cubic meters indicates a modest flow consistent with the population served. The treated effluent is discharged into the Pacific Ocean, as the plant lies within 10 kilometers of the coast. This coastal discharge requires careful management to protect marine water quality and nearshore ecosystems. The plant contributes to safeguarding the local environment by reducing pollutant loads before release into the ocean.
Environmental context
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean along the southern coast of Peru, near the town of Atico. This coastal area supports diverse marine life, including fish and seabird populations, and is part of the Humboldt Current system, which is highly productive and ecologically sensitive. Proper treatment helps minimize nutrient and pathogen impacts on nearshore waters and local fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
The Atico plant is located in La Florida, within the district of Atico, Caravelí province, in the Arequipa region of southern Peru. It is situated near the Pacific coast.
The plant serves a population of approximately 1,439 people, making it a small-scale facility designed for a rural coastal community.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, as it is located within 10 kilometers of the coast. The discharge volume is about 691.20 cubic meters per day.
The plant provides secondary treatment, which is a standard biological treatment process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. This level is typical for small communities in Peru.
In Peru, wastewater treatment plants are regulated by the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation, with discharge standards aimed at protecting water quality. Plants like Atico must comply with national effluent limits to minimize environmental impact.
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