Overview
ARGOSTOLI wastewater treatment plant serves Argostoli, Greece, on the Ionian island of Kefalonia. It treats wastewater for approximately 25,000 people, with a designed capacity of 1.00 cubic meter per second.
The ARGOSTOLI wastewater treatment plant is located in Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia in the Ionian Islands region of Greece. It serves a population of around 25,000, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under Greek and EU regulations. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 cubic meter per second, reflecting the seasonal population fluctuations common in tourist destinations. As a Greek facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into coastal waters. Greece has designated many coastal areas as sensitive, necessitating more advanced treatment to protect marine ecosystems. Compliance with EU standards is expected. The plant discharges into the Ionian Sea, a ecologically significant marine environment supporting diverse aquatic life and important for regional fisheries and tourism. The surrounding watershed includes the island of Kefalonia, characterized by karst geology and limited freshwater resources. Proper wastewater treatment is critical to prevent eutrophication and protect bathing water quality, which is vital for the local economy.
Environmental context
The ARGOSTOLI plant discharges into the Ionian Sea, a deep marine basin connected to the Adriatic Sea and ultimately the Mediterranean. The receiving waters support diverse marine habitats, including seagrass meadows and coralligenous communities. The plant's location on the coast of Kefalonia means treated effluent enters a sensitive marine environment where nutrient loading can impact water quality and local biodiversity. The island's karst geology means groundwater is vulnerable to contamination, making effective treatment essential for both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
The ARGOSTOLI plant is located in Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia in the Ionian Islands region of Greece. Its address is near the lighthouse of Lassi, a coastal area on the island.
The plant serves approximately 25,000 people, which includes the permanent residents of Argostoli and surrounding areas. This population may increase significantly during the tourist season.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Ionian Sea, likely through an outfall that ensures proper dispersion. As a coastal plant, it must meet stringent EU standards to protect marine water quality.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations over 10,000 people. Greece has designated many coastal waters as sensitive areas, potentially requiring tertiary treatment.
For a medium-sized agglomeration like Argostoli, secondary treatment (biological treatment) is the EU minimum. However, due to the coastal sensitive area designation, advanced treatment with nutrient removal is often implemented to prevent eutrophication in the Ionian Sea.
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