Impianto C da Fiumara, Modica

Overview

Impianto C da Fiumara is a secondary wastewater treatment plant serving Modica, Sicily, Italy. It treats wastewater from approximately 47,500 people and has a designed capacity of 50,000 m³/day.

Impianto C da Fiumara is a secondary wastewater treatment plant located in Modica, in the province of Ragusa, Sicily, Italy. The plant serves a population of approximately 47,500 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under Italian and EU regulations. It is situated near the coast, within 10 km of the Mediterranean Sea. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the minimum standard required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size discharging into coastal waters. The designed capacity of 50,000 m³/day indicates the plant is sized to handle the current load with some reserve. The actual discharge volume is reported as 0.01 million m³/year, suggesting operational variability or data reporting differences. The treated effluent is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea, likely via a local watercourse or outfall. The receiving waters are part of the Ionian Sea basin, which supports diverse marine life and is important for local fisheries and tourism. The plant's proximity to the coast necessitates careful management to protect bathing waters and marine ecosystems.

Environmental context

The plant discharges treated wastewater into the Mediterranean Sea, specifically into the Ionian Sea basin near the southeastern coast of Sicily. This coastal area supports seagrass meadows, fish nurseries, and migratory bird routes. The region's tourism and fishing industries depend on good water quality, making effective treatment essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and pathogen contamination.

Frequently asked questions

The plant is located in Modica, in the province of Ragusa, Sicily, Italy, near the coastal area of Monserrato.

The plant serves approximately 47,500 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.

The plant provides secondary treatment and discharges the treated effluent into the Mediterranean Sea, likely via a local outfall or watercourse.

Under the EU UWWTD, agglomerations of this size (47,500 PE) discharging into coastal waters require at least secondary treatment. The plant meets this standard.

For medium-sized agglomerations in Italy, secondary treatment is standard, often with nutrient removal in sensitive areas. Coastal plants may also require disinfection to protect bathing waters.