Non domestic wastewater management for the city of la Libertad, El Salvador

Abstract

The objective of this research was to know about residual wastewater, generated by commercial and service industries. This research allowed us to identify the areas of improvement in order to achieve sustainable development.

In order to carry out this research, secondary resources were asked, also the technical and political personnel of the municipality were interviewed. La ciudad de la libertad is a well know spot for coast local tourism however, it has serious environmental issues, 28% of the business generate wastewater, the sewage system is obsolete and it only covers 61.7%. Besides that the municipal treatment plant is not in a good condition because, its cleaning efficiency is of 50%. Due to the miss management of wastewater the sewage collapses, in addition to this, the city rainwater sewage is collapsed.

All the previous issues create a wrong image of the city as well as health problems, also river and beaches pollution. This troubles the sustainable touristic development. Even though the municipality is aware of the problem, right now they do not have the necessary instruments nor strategies for an adequate wastewater management plan.

Territorial arrangement, sanitary infrastructure, equipment improvement, environment education and to strength the local capability to apply the municipal environment legislation are clear challenges in order to achieve a proper sustainable development in the city.