RIONERO S VITO SGARRONI Wastewater Treatment Plant, Rionero in Vulture, Basilicata

RIONERO S VITO SGARRONI is a wastewater treatment facility located in the Monticchio Sgarroni area of Rionero in Vulture, in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. The plant serves a small population of 265 residents and has a designed capacity of 500 cubic meters per day, with an actual discharge volume of 52.46 cubic meters per day, indicating it operates well below its capacity. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations with a population equivalent (PE) between 2,000 and 10,000. However, with a population served of only 265, the plant falls below this threshold, suggesting it may be part of a smaller system or serve a rural community. The directive requires appropriate treatment for such small agglomerations to protect the environment. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Ofanto River basin and then into the Adriatic Sea. The plant's location in the Vulture volcanic area, known for its lakes and natural springs, underscores the importance of protecting local water quality. The surrounding environment includes ecologically sensitive areas that support diverse aquatic life and contribute to the region's biodiversity.

The plant discharges into the local watershed, which flows into the Ofanto River, one of the major rivers in southern Italy, and eventually reaches the Adriatic Sea. The Vulture area is characterized by volcanic lakes and springs, making the protection of water quality crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of these sensitive habitats. The downstream environment supports diverse aquatic species and is important for regional biodiversity.