Overview
POLICORO_S_GIUSTO_NUOVO wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 20,000 people in Policoro, Basilicata, Italy. The plant is located within 50 km of the coast and discharges into the Ionian Sea.
POLICORO_S_GIUSTO_NUOVO is a wastewater treatment plant serving the town of Policoro in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. With a population equivalent of 20,000, it falls under the EU classification of a medium agglomeration. The plant is situated near the Ionian coast, highlighting its role in protecting coastal water quality. As an Italian plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into coastal waters. The plant's treated effluent ultimately reaches the Ionian Sea, a key marine environment in the Mediterranean. The surrounding area includes agricultural lands and the Pollino National Park, an ecologically sensitive region. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Taranto.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Ionian Sea via local waterways, contributing to the broader Mediterranean basin. The Ionian Sea supports diverse marine life, including sea turtles and cetaceans, and is an important fishing ground. Nutrient loading from wastewater could lead to eutrophication in coastal zones, making effective treatment critical for preserving water quality and ecosystem health.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at Via Tagliamento, Policoro, in the province of Matera, Basilicata, Italy.
The plant serves approximately 20,000 people, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Ionian Sea, likely via local streams or drainage channels, given its proximity to the coast.
As an Italian plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 10,000 population equivalent discharging to coastal waters.
For a medium agglomeration of 20,000 PE in Italy, secondary treatment is standard, with tertiary treatment required if discharging to sensitive areas. The plant's specific treatment level is not confirmed in available data.
Nearby plants