San Michele MDV DEP Wastewater Treatment Plant, San Michele al Fiume, Italy

San Michele MDV DEP is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Contrada Piano San Michele, San Michele al Fiume, in the province of Pesaro e Urbino, Italy. The plant serves a population of approximately 1,784 people, classifying it as a small agglomeration under Italian and EU regulations. Its designed capacity is 2,200 cubic meters per day, with an average discharge volume of 269.46 cubic meters per day. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the minimum standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for freshwater discharges from agglomerations of this size. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. As a small plant, it operates under Italy's national implementation of the directive, overseen by regional environmental agencies. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Adriatic Sea. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means its discharge contributes to the nutrient load in coastal waters, potentially affecting marine ecosystems. The surrounding area is a mix of agricultural and residential land, with the Metauro River basin nearby, supporting diverse aquatic life.

The plant discharges into the local watershed that flows toward the Adriatic Sea, a semi-enclosed sea with limited water exchange, making it sensitive to nutrient pollution. The receiving waters support diverse marine life, including fish and invertebrates, and are part of an important migratory corridor for birds. The proximity to the coast increases the risk of eutrophication if nutrient removal is insufficient.