Overview
Odemira wastewater treatment plant serves 2,200 people in Odemira, Portugal, with advanced treatment and a designed capacity of 4,000 m³/day. It discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, ultimately draining to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Odemira wastewater treatment plant is located in the civil parish of São Salvador e Santa Maria, within the municipality of Odemira, in the Beja district of southern Portugal. It serves a population of approximately 2,200 residents, reflecting a small agglomeration scale typical of rural Alentejo communities. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the secondary treatment standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. With a designed capacity of 4,000 m³/day and an average discharge volume of 366.81 m³/day, the facility operates well below its capacity, indicating room for future growth or seasonal demand. As a Portuguese facility, it operates under national regulations transposing EU directives, overseen by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA). The treated wastewater is discharged into the local water system, which flows through the Mira River basin and eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean near the Costa Vicentina. This coastal region is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse marine and bird life, and the plant's advanced treatment helps protect downstream water quality and the nearby natural park areas.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Mira River catchment, which flows southwest through the Alentejo region and empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Vila Nova de Milfontes. The downstream environment includes the Costa Vicentina, a stretch of coastline known for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and important seabird colonies. The advanced treatment level ensures that nutrient and pollutant loads are minimized, supporting the ecological health of the river estuary and coastal waters, which are part of a regionally significant natural area.
Frequently asked questions
The Odemira WWTP is located in the civil parish of São Salvador e Santa Maria, in the municipality of Odemira, Beja district, southern Portugal.
The plant serves approximately 2,200 people, classifying it as a small agglomeration under EU wastewater directives.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Mira River catchment, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean near the Costa Vicentina.
The plant provides advanced treatment, exceeding the secondary treatment standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive for agglomerations of this size.
The plant operates under Portuguese regulations that implement the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, with oversight by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).
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