Impianto C da Canalotto Wastewater Treatment Plant, Lido Rossello, Sicily

Impianto C da Canalotto is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Lido Rossello, a coastal locality in the municipality of Realmonte, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. The plant serves a population of approximately 4,740, classifying it as a small agglomeration under EU guidelines. The facility provides secondary treatment, which is the minimum standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for discharges into coastal waters. With a designed capacity of 9,294 cubic meters per day and an actual discharge volume of 938.35 cubic meters per day, the plant operates well below its capacity, indicating room for future growth or seasonal variability. The treated effluent is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea, as the plant is located within 10 km of the coast. This coastal discharge requires compliance with stringent standards to protect marine water quality and local ecosystems, including the nearby Scala dei Turchi and the pristine beaches of the Sicilian coast.

The plant discharges into the Mediterranean Sea near Lido Rossello, a coastal area known for its clear waters and tourism. The receiving waters are part of the Strait of Sicily, which supports diverse marine life including seagrass meadows and fish nurseries. Effluent quality must meet EU standards to prevent eutrophication and protect the sensitive coastal environment.