CUNEO Wastewater Treatment Plant, Cuneo, Piemonte, Italy

The CUNEO wastewater treatment plant is located in Cuneo, Piemonte, Italy, serving a population of approximately 135,325. As a large agglomeration under EU classification, the plant is subject to stringent regulatory requirements. The facility is situated near the confluence of the Gesso and Stura di Demonte rivers, which form the Stura di Demonte, a key tributary of the Po River. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), agglomerations with a population equivalent (PE) greater than 150,000 require tertiary treatment in sensitive areas. Plants of this scale typically employ secondary biological treatment followed by disinfection to meet effluent standards. The plant's capacity and operational details are managed by local municipal authorities, ensuring compliance with national and EU regulations. The treated effluent from CUNEO is discharged into the Stura di Demonte river, which flows into the Po River, the longest river in Italy. The Po River basin supports extensive agriculture and is ecologically significant, hosting diverse aquatic life and serving as a migratory corridor for fish species. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting downstream water quality in the Po River and the Adriatic Sea.

The CUNEO plant discharges into the Stura di Demonte river, a tributary of the Po River. The Po River flows eastward through northern Italy, eventually emptying into the Adriatic Sea. This watershed supports rich biodiversity, including fish species such as the European eel and various migratory birds. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this ecologically sensitive river system, which is vital for agriculture and wildlife in the Po Valley.