Overview
The Cagnano Varano wastewater treatment plant in Puglia, Italy, provides secondary treatment for a small coastal community. It serves approximately 2,500 people and has a designed capacity of 6,500 m³/day.
The Cagnano Varano wastewater treatment plant is located along Strada Statale 89 Garganica in the town of Cagnano Varano, in the province of Foggia, Puglia, Italy. It serves a population of about 2,500 residents in this coastal area of the Gargano promontory. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. The designed capacity of 6,500 m³/day indicates the facility is sized to handle peak flows, while the reported discharge volume of 580 m³/day suggests current flows are well within capacity. The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment near the Adriatic Sea coast. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means its discharge can affect coastal water quality, making proper treatment essential for protecting marine ecosystems and recreational waters in the Gargano area.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Adriatic Sea via local watercourses in the Gargano promontory, a region known for its coastal lagoons and marine biodiversity. The receiving waters support diverse aquatic life and are important for local fisheries and tourism. Effective secondary treatment helps minimize nutrient loading and pathogen risks to the coastal environment.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Strada Statale 89 Garganica in Cagnano Varano, in the province of Foggia, Puglia, Italy.
The plant serves approximately 2,487 residents in the coastal town of Cagnano Varano and surrounding areas.
The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the Adriatic Sea, given the plant's proximity to the coast.
As a plant serving a small agglomeration (under 10,000 people), it falls under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for discharges into coastal waters.
In Italy, plants serving small communities typically provide secondary biological treatment, as mandated by the EU directive. This includes processes like activated sludge or biofiltration to reduce organic matter and suspended solids.
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