Pinhal do Concelho Wastewater Treatment Plant, Albufeira, Portugal

Pinhal do Concelho is a wastewater treatment plant located in Albufeira, in the Faro district of southern Portugal. It serves a population of approximately 10,000 people, making it a medium-sized facility for the region. The plant is situated near the coast, within 50 km of the Atlantic Ocean, and its operations are critical for protecting the local marine environment. As a Portuguese facility, Pinhal do Concelho operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the discharge enters sensitive areas, such as coastal zones. The treated effluent from Pinhal do Concelho ultimately reaches the Atlantic Ocean, likely via small streams or drainage channels that flow into the coastal waters near Albufeira. This discharge area supports diverse marine life and is important for local tourism and fisheries. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and protect water quality in this ecologically sensitive coastal region.

The plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean via local watercourses near Albufeira, a coastal town in the Algarve region. The receiving waters support a variety of marine species and are important for recreational activities and fishing. The area is part of a broader coastal ecosystem that includes sandy beaches and rocky shores, which are sensitive to nutrient loading and pollution from wastewater.