ARTA, Arta | Greece Wastewater

Overview

The ARTA wastewater treatment plant serves the city of Arta in the Epirus region of Greece, treating wastewater from a population of approximately 31,500. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.

The ARTA wastewater treatment plant is located near Glykorrizo, Arta, in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece. It serves a population of around 31,500, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated inland but within 50 km of the coast, and its treated effluent likely discharges into the Arachthos River or a nearby watercourse, eventually reaching the Ionian Sea. 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. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the discharge enters sensitive areas. The plant plays a key role in protecting local water quality in the Arachthos River basin, which supports diverse aquatic life and is important for agriculture and tourism in the region. Downstream, the river flows into the Ambracian Gulf, a semi-enclosed coastal embayment that is ecologically sensitive due to its wetlands and biodiversity.

Environmental context

The ARTA plant discharges into the Arachthos River, which flows into the Ambracian Gulf, a shallow gulf of the Ionian Sea. The gulf is an ecologically important area, supporting extensive wetlands, fish nurseries, and migratory bird populations. The plant's treatment performance is critical to preventing nutrient enrichment and maintaining water quality in this sensitive coastal ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions

The ARTA plant is located near Glykorrizo, in the city of Arta, Epirus region, northwestern Greece.

The plant serves approximately 31,500 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.

The treated effluent is likely discharged into the Arachthos River, which flows into the Ambracian Gulf and then the Ionian Sea.

As a Greek facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size.

Under the EU UWWTD, plants serving over 10,000 people in Greece typically require secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas.