Overview
DP01208403_ISPRA_CCR is an advanced wastewater treatment plant in Ispra, Lombardy, Italy, serving about 2,600 people. It discharges treated water into the local watershed, contributing to the protection of Lake Maggiore and the Ticino River basin.
DP01208403_ISPRA_CCR is an advanced wastewater treatment plant located in Ispra, within the Lombardy region of northern Italy. The facility serves a population of approximately 2,600, primarily from the Joint Research Centre area, and has a designed capacity of 3,500 cubic meters per day. Its advanced treatment level ensures high-quality effluent suitable for sensitive environments. The plant operates under Italy's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates advanced treatment for discharges into sensitive areas. With an average daily flow of about 516 cubic meters, the facility is well within its capacity, indicating efficient operation. The treatment process likely includes biological nutrient removal to meet stringent standards for nitrogen and phosphorus. The treated effluent is discharged into the local drainage network, which ultimately flows into Lake Maggiore, a large subalpine lake shared with Switzerland. Lake Maggiore drains via the Ticino River into the Po River and then into the Adriatic Sea. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the lake's water quality, which supports diverse aquatic life and serves as a drinking water source for downstream communities.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the catchment of Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's largest and deepest lakes, which flows into the Ticino River and then the Po River before reaching the Adriatic Sea. The lake supports a rich ecosystem, including endemic fish species and migratory birds, and is a key water resource for agriculture and tourism. Advanced treatment is essential to prevent eutrophication and maintain the ecological balance of this sensitive water body.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Ispra, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, specifically at the Joint Research Centre site in the Baraggiola area.
The plant serves approximately 2,600 people, primarily from the Joint Research Centre and surrounding areas in Ispra.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local drainage network, which flows into Lake Maggiore, then via the Ticino River to the Po River and ultimately the Adriatic Sea.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), transposed into Italian law, which requires advanced treatment for discharges into sensitive areas like Lake Maggiore.
For small agglomerations in sensitive areas, Italian regulations typically mandate secondary treatment with nutrient removal, but this plant provides advanced treatment, exceeding minimum requirements.
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