San Raffaele Cimena Wastewater Treatment Plant - Piemonte, Italy

The San Raffaele Cimena wastewater treatment plant is located in the municipality of San Raffaele Cimena, in the Piemonte region of northwestern Italy. The plant serves a small population of approximately 2,420 residents, reflecting its role in a rural or suburban setting. It is part of Italy's municipal wastewater infrastructure, which is regulated under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). The plant operates with secondary treatment, which is the minimum standard required by the EU directive for freshwater discharges from agglomerations of this size. With a designed capacity of 2,500 m³/day and an actual discharge volume of 479.07 m³/day, the plant operates well below its capacity, indicating room for future growth or seasonal variability. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The treated effluent is discharged into a local water body, which eventually drains into the Po River basin. The Po River is the longest river in Italy and flows into the Adriatic Sea, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and agricultural activities along its course. The plant's operation helps protect the local watershed from untreated sewage, contributing to the ecological health of the Po River system.

The plant discharges into a local watercourse that is part of the Po River basin. The Po River flows eastward through northern Italy, eventually emptying into the Adriatic Sea. This watershed supports a variety of aquatic life and is important for irrigation and drinking water supply. The plant's secondary treatment reduces organic pollutants, helping to maintain water quality in the downstream environment, which includes sensitive habitats for fish and other wildlife.