San Massimo Campitello Matese Wastewater Treatment Plant, Campitello Matese, Molise

The San Massimo Campitello Matese wastewater treatment plant is located in the Molise region of Italy, serving the municipality of Campitello Matese and nearby San Massimo. With a designed capacity of 4,199 m³/day and a current discharge volume of 800.37 m³/day, the plant is sized for a population equivalent of 4,043. It is situated in the mountainous terrain of the Matese massif, an area known for its natural springs and karstic geology. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants. This level of treatment aligns with Italy's implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires advanced treatment for discharges into sensitive areas. The advanced designation indicates the plant is equipped to meet stringent effluent standards. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that drain into the Volturno River basin, eventually reaching the Tyrrhenian Sea. The plant plays a key role in protecting the region's water resources, including the nearby Lago del Matese and the karst aquifers that supply drinking water. By providing advanced treatment, it helps preserve the ecological integrity of the Volturno River and its downstream environments.

The plant discharges into the Volturno River basin, which flows through central Italy and empties into the Tyrrhenian Sea near the Gulf of Gaeta. The Matese area is characterized by karst landscapes and sensitive aquatic ecosystems, including the Lago del Matese, a natural lake that supports diverse flora and fauna. Advanced treatment at this plant helps reduce nutrient loading, protecting downstream water quality and the ecological health of the Volturno River and its coastal receiving waters.