Overview
DP01209001_LONATE_POZZOLO is a wastewater treatment plant serving Lonate Pozzolo in Lombardy, Italy. It handles a population equivalent of 365,465, operating under EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive standards.
DP01209001_LONATE_POZZOLO is a major wastewater treatment plant located in Lonate Pozzolo, within the Lombardy region of northern Italy. The facility serves a population equivalent of 365,465, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. Its location in the Po Valley places it within a densely populated and industrially active area. As a large-scale plant in Italy, it is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires advanced treatment (tertiary) for agglomerations over 150,000 population equivalent discharging into sensitive areas. The Po Valley contains several sensitive water bodies, so the plant likely employs nutrient removal to meet regulatory standards. The operator manages the facility as part of the regional wastewater infrastructure for the Varese province. The plant's treated effluent ultimately drains into the Po River basin, which flows eastward into the Adriatic Sea. The Po River is Italy's longest river and supports extensive agriculture, industry, and ecosystems. The plant's discharge contributes to the water quality of the Ticino River (a major tributary) and downstream reaches, making its treatment performance critical for both human use and ecological health in the Po Delta.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Po River basin, which flows through the Po Valley and empties into the Adriatic Sea. The Po Delta is a ecologically sensitive area supporting diverse aquatic life and migratory bird populations. Nutrient loading from wastewater can contribute to eutrophication in the Adriatic, so advanced treatment is essential for protecting downstream water quality and marine ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Lonate Pozzolo, in the province of Varese, Lombardy, northern Italy. It serves the local municipality and surrounding areas.
The plant serves a population equivalent of 365,465, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Po River basin, likely via the Ticino River or a tributary, eventually reaching the Adriatic Sea.
As a plant serving over 150,000 population equivalent, it falls under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which requires tertiary treatment (nutrient removal) for discharges into sensitive areas like the Po basin.
For large agglomerations in Italy, especially in sensitive regions like the Po Valley, advanced treatment with nitrogen and phosphorus removal is standard to meet EU standards and protect the Adriatic Sea.
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