Background Spain is one of those EU countries subject to serious water scarcity and subsequent water quality problems. It also has a large fish canning industry that consumes large amounts of water during its production phases, including boiling, canning and cleaning. It moreover generates large amounts of wastewater that contain especially high levels of organic matter, fats and oils, nitrogen, phosphorus, salts and suspended solids – the organic and salt content is 15-50% higher than for urban wastewater. This makes wastewater treatment difficult, particular given that joint management is impossible due to the irregular geographical distribution of fish canning plants. Consequently, the treatment of these effluents is mainly carried out by urban Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTPs), which are often not prepared for the correct management of these effluents; the high salt concentration inhibits efficient biological treatment. In addition, the production of canned seafood is seasonal, creating unmanageable load peaks and discharges into the sea or other water bodies. It is thus difficult to achieve the ‘good ecological and chemical status’ set for all water bodies by the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). Techniques to improve management, along with efficient water use and treatment, are therefore necessary. Objectives The main objective of LIFEVERTALIM is to demonstrate an integrated approach for the treatment of food industry wastewater in urban sanitation systems. To this end, the project will work both first at industry and then at wastewater network level. At industry level, the project will implement a series of eco-efficient measures (the ‘3-barrier’ system) in the canning industry to reduce the wastewater volume and the different pollution sources. In particular, these three barriers will intend: To prevent waste generation (fish and other materials) and reduce water consumption; To reduce the pollutants load (mainly solids and fats) in the wastewater; and Develop a monitoring tool to evaluate the efficiency of the implemented measures and better manage the wastewaters internally. At network level, the project will develop a decision-support tool to optimise the organic and salt loads from the fish canning industry entering WWTPs. This decision-support tool will consist of a virtual simulation platform, integrating pre-treatment systems at the factory level, the water collection network and centralised plant wastewater treatments. It will model and help optimise fish canning effluents loads to the benefit of the sewage system and the operation of WWTPs. Specifically, the project aims to mitigate the environmental impacts related to the fish canning industry and to reduce pressure on water sanitation infrastructure. The project system will be tested under real conditions in Artibai (Bizkaia, Spain) by three SMEs located in an industrial area that share water and wastewater management infrastructure. It will also be tested in another SME located in the urban area of the town. The proposed system has a high potential for replication in other European regions and other food industry sectors. From the start, the project will thus involve stakeholders from two other regions facing similar challenges: Douro River (Portugal) and Sicily (Italy). Expected results: For food SMEs: The application of eco-efficient measures within a new methodological approach called ‘3 barriers’; Prevention of discharges to the environment (30%), a significant reduction of food losses (10%) and an increase in productivity (1%); Considerable water savings (30%); and Reductions in high organic loads (40%) to the sewage system, so that SMEs can fulfil obligations under current environmental policy. Water Sanitation Management: Improved performance of WWTPs (around 20%), by reducing the pressure on water sanitation infrastructure (40-70%); Measures to ensure that treated effluents are discharged properly into the environment; Fulfilment of current regulations under by Water Framework Directive; and The integration of food SMEs sewage into the urban treatment system without damage to the sewage network or WWTPs. Environment: Reduction in eutrophication potential of wastewater (95%) from the food SMEs by ensuring clean water discharges; and Reduction (3%) in water stress in the river basin.