DP01401501_CASTIONE_ANDEVENNO Wastewater Treatment Plant, Caiolo, Lombardy

DP01401501_CASTIONE_ANDEVENNO is an advanced wastewater treatment plant located in Caiolo, within the Lombardy region of northern Italy. The plant serves a small community of approximately 1,500 residents and is situated in the Alpine foothills along the Adda River valley. Its advanced treatment level indicates the use of processes beyond secondary treatment, such as nutrient removal or disinfection, to meet stringent environmental standards. The plant operates under Italy's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires appropriate treatment for discharges into sensitive areas. For agglomerations under 10,000 population equivalent, the directive mandates secondary treatment, but Italy often requires advanced treatment in ecologically sensitive Alpine regions. The plant's designed capacity of 1,500 cubic meters per day aligns with the population served, suggesting adequate infrastructure for current loads. The treated effluent is discharged into the Adda River, which flows through the Valtellina valley and eventually into Lake Como, a major subalpine lake. The Adda River supports diverse aquatic life and is a key water resource for irrigation and recreation. The plant's advanced treatment helps protect the river's water quality and the downstream lake ecosystem from nutrient pollution and other contaminants.

The plant discharges into the Adda River, which flows through the Valtellina valley and into Lake Como, a deep subalpine lake. The Adda basin supports diverse aquatic species and is an important migratory corridor for fish. Advanced treatment at this plant helps prevent eutrophication in Lake Como and maintains water quality for downstream uses including drinking water and tourism.