Monticelli d'Ongina Wastewater Treatment Plant - Emilia-Romagna, Italy

The Monticelli d'Ongina wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of Monticelli d'Ongina, in the province of Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It serves a population of approximately 4,700 residents, classifying it as a small agglomeration under Italian and EU regulations. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the minimum standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for freshwater discharges from agglomerations of this size. The designed capacity is 6,250 m³/day, with an average daily discharge volume of about 845 m³/day, indicating significant reserve capacity. Treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Po River basin, one of Italy's most important watersheds. The Po River flows eastward into the Adriatic Sea, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and agricultural irrigation. The plant's operation helps protect downstream water quality in this ecologically sensitive region.

The plant discharges into the Po River basin, which flows through northern Italy to the Adriatic Sea. The Po River supports a rich ecosystem including fish species such as sturgeon and eel, and its delta is a vital wetland for migratory birds. Secondary treatment reduces organic pollutants and suspended solids, helping to maintain the ecological balance of this important watershed.