Cortemaggiore Wastewater Treatment Plant, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

The Cortemaggiore wastewater treatment plant is located in Casa dell'Ospitale, Cortemaggiore, in the province of Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It serves a population of approximately 4,523 people, classifying it as a small agglomeration under Italian and EU regulations. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and discharges treated wastewater into the local water system. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. With a designed capacity of 6,000 m³/day and a current discharge volume of 790.28 m³/day, the plant operates well below its capacity, indicating potential for future growth or seasonal variations. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The treated effluent from Cortemaggiore likely flows into the Po River basin, which is the largest river system in Italy. The Po River drains into the Adriatic Sea, supporting diverse aquatic life and agricultural activities. The plant's operation helps protect the local water quality and downstream ecosystems, including the Po Delta, an ecologically sensitive area.

The Cortemaggiore plant discharges into the Po River basin, which flows eastward through the Po Valley and into the Adriatic Sea. This watershed is a vital agricultural and ecological corridor in northern Italy, supporting a variety of fish species and migratory birds. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient loads and organic pollution, contributing to the health of the Po Delta and the Adriatic coastal environment.