Overview
The BRESSANONE wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 63,727 people in St. Lorenzen - San Lorenzo di Sebato, Italy. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this
The BRESSANONE wastewater treatment plant is located in St. Lorenzen - San Lorenzo di Sebato, in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of northern Italy. It serves a population of approximately 63,727, classifying it as a medium-to-large agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated in the Pustertal valley, near the Rienz River, a tributary of the Eisack River, which flows into the Adige River and ultimately the Adriatic Sea. As a plant serving over 50,000 people in an EU member state, it is subject to the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). This directive requires secondary treatment for all agglomerations above 2,000 population equivalent, and more stringent treatment for discharges into sensitive areas. The plant's location in the Alpine region may influence its design and operational requirements, particularly regarding nutrient removal to protect downstream water bodies. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the local water system, which drains into the Rienz River, then the Eisack, and finally the Adige River. The Adige is Italy's second-longest river and flows into the Adriatic Sea near Venice. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the water quality of these rivers, which support diverse aquatic life and are used for irrigation, recreation, and drinking water supply downstream.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Rienz River, a tributary of the Eisack River, which joins the Adige River. The Adige flows through the Po Valley and into the Adriatic Sea. This watershed supports sensitive aquatic ecosystems, including fish spawning grounds and migratory corridors. The region's Alpine hydrology means that water flows are highly seasonal, with snowmelt-driven peaks in spring and summer, requiring robust treatment to prevent pollution during low-flow periods.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in St. Lorenzen - San Lorenzo di Sebato, in the Pustertal valley of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, northern Italy, near the Rienz River.
The plant serves approximately 63,727 people, classifying it as a medium-to-large agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, which drains into the Rienz River, then the Eisack and Adige rivers, ultimately reaching the Adriatic Sea.
As an Italian plant serving over 50,000 people, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment and potentially more stringent nutrient removal for sensitive areas.
Under the EU directive, plants serving over 10,000 people in sensitive areas require tertiary treatment (nutrient removal). For non-sensitive areas, secondary treatment is standard. It must meet EU standards.
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