Rotonda Piano Incoronato Ariosanto Wastewater Treatment Plant, Rotonda, Basilicata

Rotonda Piano Incoronato Ariosanto is a wastewater treatment plant located in Rotonda, a town in the province of Potenza, Basilicata, Italy. The plant serves a small population of 200 people, reflecting the rural character of the area. It operates under Italy's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which sets treatment standards based on population equivalents. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the minimum required under EU regulations for discharges into freshwater bodies. With a designed capacity of 300 cubic meters per day and a current discharge volume of 39.59 cubic meters per day, the plant operates well below its capacity. This suggests the facility is sized for future growth or seasonal peaks. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that drain into the Tyrrhenian Sea via the Basilicata river network. The region is characterized by mountainous terrain and sensitive aquatic ecosystems, making proper wastewater treatment essential for protecting downstream water quality and biodiversity.

The plant discharges into local streams that flow through the Basilicata region, eventually reaching the Tyrrhenian Sea. The area is part of the southern Apennines watershed, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for agriculture. Proper treatment helps prevent nutrient pollution and protects downstream ecosystems, including coastal marine habitats.