Macerata Feltria MCF DEP Wastewater Treatment Plant, Marche, Italy

Macerata Feltria MCF DEP is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Macerata Feltria, a town in the Marche region of central Italy. The plant serves a population of 2,159, classifying it as a small agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). It is situated inland, approximately 30 km from the Adriatic coast. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the minimum standard required by the EU directive for freshwater discharges from agglomerations of this size. With a designed capacity of 2,800 m³/day and an average daily flow of 954 m³/day, the facility operates well below its capacity, indicating room for future growth. The treatment process likely involves biological oxidation and sedimentation, typical for secondary plants in the region. Treated effluent is discharged into local streams that flow into the Metauro River, which drains into the Adriatic Sea. The Metauro basin supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor in the Apennine foothills. The plant's operation helps protect downstream water quality and the coastal marine environment.

The plant discharges into the Metauro River basin, which flows eastward into the Adriatic Sea. The Metauro River supports a variety of fish species and provides habitat for migratory birds. The downstream coastal area includes sandy beaches and seagrass meadows, which are sensitive to nutrient pollution. Secondary treatment reduces organic load and suspended solids, helping to maintain the ecological balance of the river and coastal waters.