S Pedro de Moel Wastewater Treatment Plant, Marinha Grande, Portugal

S Pedro de Moel is a wastewater treatment plant serving the municipality of Marinha Grande in the Leiria district of Portugal. The plant is situated along the Atlantic coast, near the Ciclovia da Estrada Atlântica, and serves a population of approximately 6,700 residents. As a coastal facility, it plays a key role in managing wastewater from this part of central Portugal. Under Portuguese and EU regulations, plants serving populations between 2,000 and 10,000 are classified as small agglomerations and are required to provide secondary treatment or equivalent under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). The plant's coastal location may also necessitate additional considerations for nutrient removal to protect marine waters. Treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the Atlantic Ocean, contributing to the overall water quality of the coastal zone. The area supports diverse marine life and is part of a region known for its ecological sensitivity. Proper treatment helps protect bathing waters and marine ecosystems along the Portuguese coast.

The plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean, which receives runoff from the surrounding Leiria region. The coastal waters support diverse marine habitats, including fish and invertebrate communities, and are important for local fisheries and tourism. The area is ecologically sensitive due to its proximity to the shore, and effective wastewater treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect water quality.