ALLEGHE_COLDEMMIES Wastewater Treatment Plant, Masarè, Veneto, Italy

ALLEGHE_COLDEMMIES is an advanced wastewater treatment plant located in the hamlet of Masarè, within the municipality of Alleghe, in the Veneto region of northern Italy. The plant serves a small population of 197 residents, reflecting its role in a rural alpine community. It is situated in the Dolomites, a mountainous area known for its pristine environment and tourism. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants, ensuring high-quality effluent. The plant operates well within its capacity. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), such small agglomerations (under 2,000 population equivalent) are not required to have collecting systems if treatment is provided, but Italy has opted to connect most communities. The advanced treatment level indicates compliance with sensitive area requirements, likely due to the alpine watershed. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that feed into the Cordevole River, a tributary of the Piave River, which flows into the Adriatic Sea near Venice. The plant plays a critical role in protecting the fragile alpine ecosystem, including downstream aquatic habitats and the UNESCO-listed Dolomites region. Its advanced treatment helps maintain water quality for tourism, agriculture, and biodiversity.

The plant discharges into the Cordevole River basin, part of the Piave River watershed that drains into the Adriatic Sea. The surrounding Dolomites are a sensitive alpine environment with numerous streams and lakes, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a key water source for the Veneto region. Advanced treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect downstream ecosystems, including the Lagoon of Venice.