MONTEGIORDANO MARINA Wastewater Treatment Plant, Macchia Albanese, Calabria

MONTEGIORDANO MARINA is an advanced wastewater treatment plant located in Macchia Albanese, a frazione of San Demetrio Corone in the province of Cosenza, Calabria, Italy. The plant serves a population of 3,150 and has a designed capacity of 15,000 m³/day, indicating it is sized to accommodate future growth or seasonal peaks. Its current discharge volume is 623.59 m³/day, reflecting a low utilization rate relative to capacity. As an advanced treatment facility, the plant goes beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which is particularly important for protecting sensitive water bodies. In Italy, wastewater treatment is regulated under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires advanced treatment for agglomerations discharging into sensitive areas. Although the plant serves a relatively small population, its advanced treatment level suggests it may be located in a sensitive catchment or that local regulations mandate higher standards. The plant discharges into a local watercourse that ultimately drains into the Ionian Sea via the Crati River basin. Calabria's mountainous terrain and Mediterranean climate mean that water resources are seasonally variable, and proper treatment is essential to prevent eutrophication in coastal waters. The plant's advanced treatment helps protect downstream aquatic ecosystems and supports the region's environmental goals.

The plant discharges into a tributary of the Crati River, which flows into the Gulf of Taranto in the Ionian Sea. The Crati River basin supports diverse aquatic life and is an important migratory corridor for fish species. The Ionian Sea coast near Calabria is ecologically sensitive, with seagrass meadows and marine habitats that benefit from reduced nutrient loads provided by advanced treatment.