S Pedro Wastewater Treatment Plant, Figueira da Foz, Portugal

S Pedro is a wastewater treatment plant located in the port area of Figueira da Foz, in the Coimbra district of Portugal. It serves a population equivalent of 6,800, placing it in the small agglomeration category under EU classification. The plant is situated near the coast, within 50 km of the Atlantic Ocean, and its operations are subject to Portuguese environmental regulations aligned with the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Plants of this scale in Portugal typically employ secondary treatment as a minimum, in compliance with EU Directive 91/271/EEC. The designed capacity of 1.00 (likely in thousands of cubic meters per day) suggests the facility is sized to handle the local wastewater load. The plant's proximity to the coast means that treated effluent likely discharges into the Atlantic Ocean, either directly or via a nearby watercourse. The receiving environment is the Atlantic coastal zone near Figueira da Foz, an area known for its fishing port and tourism. The discharge contributes to the nutrient load in coastal waters, which can affect marine ecosystems. Proper treatment is essential to protect water quality and support the region's ecological and economic activities.

The plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean near Figueira da Foz, a coastal area with significant ecological value. The receiving waters support diverse marine life and are part of the broader Iberian coastal upwelling system, which is important for fisheries. The Mondego River, which flows into the Atlantic nearby, also influences local water quality. Effective wastewater treatment helps mitigate eutrophication risks and protects the coastal environment.