BAZZANO Wastewater Treatment Plant, L'Aquila, Italy - Small Agglomeration under EU UWWTD

BAZZANO is a wastewater treatment plant located in the Bazzano district of L'Aquila, in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. The facility serves a population equivalent of approximately 10,000, classifying it as a small agglomeration under European Union regulations. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Adriatic Sea. As a plant serving fewer than 10,000 people, BAZZANO is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires appropriate treatment based on the sensitivity of the receiving waters. For inland plants of this scale, secondary treatment is typically mandated unless the receiving water body is designated as a sensitive area, in which case more stringent nutrient removal may be required. The plant's operational details, including specific treatment processes and capacity, are managed by the local municipal authority. The treated wastewater from BAZZANO is discharged into the Aterno River basin, which flows through the L'Aquila valley and eventually reaches the Adriatic Sea near Pescara. The river supports diverse aquatic life and is an important water resource for the region. The plant plays a key role in protecting the water quality of the Aterno River and downstream ecosystems, including the coastal marine environment.

BAZZANO discharges into the Aterno River, which flows through the Apennine mountains and the L'Aquila basin before joining the Pescara River and emptying into the Adriatic Sea. The river supports a variety of fish species and is used for irrigation and recreation. The plant's effluent quality is critical to maintaining the ecological health of this river system, particularly in the context of the Adriatic Sea's sensitive coastal zone.