GATTATICO_PRATICELLO Wastewater Treatment Plant, Praticello, Emilia-Romagna

The GATTATICO_PRATICELLO wastewater treatment plant is located in Praticello, a frazione of Gattatico, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. The plant serves a population of about 5,888 people, placing it in the small-to-medium agglomeration category under EU classification. As an Italian plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The regulatory framework ensures compliance with EU standards. The plant discharges treated effluent into the local water network, which ultimately drains into the Po River basin. The Po River is Italy's longest river and flows into the Adriatic Sea, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and agricultural activities along its course. Proper treatment is essential to protect water quality in this ecologically and economically important basin.

The plant's treated effluent enters the local drainage network within the Po River basin, Italy's largest river system. The Po flows eastward through the Po Valley and discharges into the Adriatic Sea, supporting extensive agricultural irrigation and diverse aquatic habitats. Downstream ecosystems include wetlands and delta areas that are important for migratory birds and fish species. Effective wastewater treatment helps prevent nutrient enrichment and contamination in this sensitive watershed.