Overview
CAGLIARI_LOC_IS_ARENAS is a major wastewater treatment plant serving over 530,000 people in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates advanced treatment for large agglomerations in sensi
CAGLIARI_LOC_IS_ARENAS is a key wastewater treatment facility located in the Monte Urpinu area of Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia, Italy. Serving a population of approximately 531,666, it is classified as a large agglomeration under EU regulations, requiring robust treatment infrastructure to protect the surrounding environment. As a large-scale plant, it is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment as a minimum and tertiary treatment for discharges into sensitive areas. The plant's designed capacity of 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per day or similar unit) supports its role in managing the wastewater of a major urban center. The regulatory framework ensures compliance with stringent standards. The plant's discharge ultimately reaches the Mediterranean Sea via the Gulf of Cagliari, a semi-enclosed basin with significant ecological importance. The surrounding waters support diverse marine life, including seagrass meadows and fish populations, making effective wastewater treatment critical to preventing eutrophication and preserving water quality. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast underscores its role in protecting coastal ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Gulf of Cagliari, part of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Mediterranean. This coastal area supports ecologically sensitive habitats, including seagrass beds and nursery grounds for fish. Effective treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution that could lead to algal blooms and degrade water quality in this semi-enclosed basin.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in the Monte Urpinu area of Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, at Via dei Conversi.
The plant serves approximately 531,666 people, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated wastewater is discharged into the Gulf of Cagliari, which flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea and ultimately the Mediterranean Sea.
The plant protects the coastal waters of the Gulf of Cagliari and the broader Mediterranean Sea from untreated wastewater pollution.
As a large agglomeration serving over 150,000 people, the plant is required to meet strict standards under the EU UWWTD, including secondary treatment and potentially tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas like the Mediterranean coast.
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