Overview
GUASTALLA_NORD is a wastewater treatment plant in Guastalla, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, serving approximately 6,860 people. It operates under Italy's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
GUASTALLA_NORD is a wastewater treatment plant located in Guastalla, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. The plant serves a population of approximately 6,860 people, placing it in the small to medium agglomeration category under EU classification. As an Italian facility, the plant 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. Italy has implemented these requirements through national legislation, and plants like GUASTALLA_NORD are subject to regular monitoring and permitting by regional environmental authorities. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, 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 life and providing water for agriculture and industry. The Emilia-Romagna region is known for its intensive agriculture and food production, making proper wastewater treatment essential for protecting downstream water quality and ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Po River basin, which flows eastward through northern Italy and empties into the Adriatic Sea. The Po River supports a rich ecosystem, including fish species such as sturgeon and eel, and its delta is an important migratory corridor for birds. The surrounding region is heavily agricultural, so nutrient removal from wastewater is critical to prevent eutrophication in the Adriatic.
Frequently asked questions
GUASTALLA_NORD is located in Guastalla, in the province of Reggio nell'Emilia, Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy.
The plant serves approximately 6,860 people, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under EU standards.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, which drains into the Po River basin and eventually reaches the Adriatic Sea.
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 and may require tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive.
For agglomerations between 2,000 and 10,000 population equivalent, the EU UWWTD mandates secondary treatment. In Italy, this is typically achieved through biological processes such as activated sludge or trickling filters, often with nutrient removal in sensitive areas.
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