Quartu Sant'Elena Zone A Mare Loc Foxi 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant, Sardinia

Quartu Sant'Elena Zone A Mare Loc Foxi 1 is a wastewater treatment plant located in the Foxi area of Quartu Sant'Elena, on the island of Sardinia, Italy. The plant serves a small population of 600 residents and is situated near the coast, reflecting the local need for marine protection. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the standard secondary treatment required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). For small agglomerations under 2,000 population equivalent, the directive requires appropriate treatment, and Italy has implemented this through national regulations that often mandate advanced treatment in sensitive coastal areas to protect bathing waters and marine ecosystems. The treated effluent is discharged into the coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea, specifically near the Gulf of Cagliari. This area supports diverse marine life and is important for local tourism and fisheries. The advanced treatment ensures that nutrient and pollutant loads are minimized, helping to preserve water quality in this ecologically sensitive coastal zone.

The plant discharges into the coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea, near the Gulf of Cagliari in southern Sardinia. This marine environment supports seagrass meadows and diverse fish populations, and is a key area for local tourism and recreation. The advanced treatment helps protect these sensitive coastal ecosystems from nutrient enrichment and contamination.