Pucusana Wastewater Treatment Plant - Papa León X III, Lima, Peru

Pucusana is a wastewater treatment plant located in Papa León X III, within the Chilca district of Cañete province in the Lima region of Peru. The plant serves a population of approximately 10,483 people and operates with secondary treatment, which is typical for medium-sized agglomerations in the country. As a secondary treatment facility, Pucusana provides biological treatment to reduce organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. The plant processes an average of 864 cubic meters of wastewater per day. Peru's wastewater sector is regulated by the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation, with oversight from the National Superintendence of Sanitation Services (SUNASS). Plants of this scale are expected to meet national effluent standards for BOD, TSS, and other parameters. The treated effluent from Pucusana is discharged into the Pacific Ocean, as the plant is located within 10 km of the coast. This coastal discharge contributes to the marine environment of the central Peruvian coast, which supports diverse marine life including fisheries and seabird colonies. The plant plays a key role in protecting coastal water quality and public health in the region.

Pucusana's treated wastewater discharges into the Pacific Ocean along the central coast of Peru, a region characterized by the Humboldt Current ecosystem. This area supports rich marine biodiversity, including anchoveta, seabirds, and marine mammals. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient and pathogen loads, mitigating risks of eutrophication and contamination in nearshore waters. The coastal zone is also important for local fishing and tourism.