Overview
IDI Valdera Acque serves Pontedera, Toscana, Italy, treating wastewater for a population of approximately 10,000. The plant operates under Italy's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
IDI Valdera Acque is a wastewater treatment plant located in Pontedera, in the Toscana region of Italy. It serves a population of about 10,000 people, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated in the Arno River basin, which drains into the Tyrrhenian Sea. As an Italian plant, IDI Valdera Acque 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 sensitive areas. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the local water system, ultimately reaching the Arno River and then the Tyrrhenian Sea. This coastal discharge contributes to the nutrient load in the Mediterranean, making proper treatment essential for protecting marine ecosystems and supporting biodiversity in the region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Arno River basin, which flows through Tuscany to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Arno is a major river supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for agriculture and industry. Downstream, the coastal area includes sensitive marine habitats that benefit from controlled nutrient inputs. Proper treatment helps prevent eutrophication and maintains water quality for both ecological and recreational uses.
Frequently asked questions
IDI Valdera Acque is located at Viale America, Pontedera, in the province of Pisa, Toscana, Italy.
The plant serves approximately 10,000 people, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, which flows into the Arno River and eventually reaches the Tyrrhenian Sea.
As an Italian plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size.
Under the EU directive, plants serving 10,000 people typically require secondary treatment, and possibly tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas.
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