Savignano sul Rubicone Bastia Wastewater Treatment Plant, Savignano sul Rubicone, Italy

Savignano sul Rubicone Bastia is a wastewater treatment plant serving the municipality of Savignano sul Rubicone in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The plant is situated near the Rubicone River and is part of the Unione Rubicone e mare administrative area. With a population equivalent of about 97,684, it falls under the EU classification of a large agglomeration, requiring advanced treatment to meet environmental standards. As a facility in Italy, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for all agglomerations above 2,000 population equivalent and tertiary treatment in sensitive areas. Given its scale, the plant is expected to provide at least secondary treatment, with potential nutrient removal to protect the Adriatic Sea. The designed capacity is reported as 1.00, though the unit is unspecified, indicating the plant's infrastructure is sized for significant flow. The treated effluent likely discharges into the Rubicone River, which flows into the Adriatic Sea. This coastal discharge is ecologically sensitive, as the Adriatic Sea supports diverse marine life and is a key fishing and tourism resource. The plant's operation is critical to preventing nutrient pollution and safeguarding water quality in the region.

The plant's treated wastewater likely discharges into the Rubicone River, which flows into the Adriatic Sea near the coastal town of Gatteo a Mare. The Adriatic Sea in this area is a semi-enclosed basin with limited water exchange, making it susceptible to eutrophication from nutrient inputs. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast means its discharge can impact coastal water quality, affecting marine ecosystems and recreational beaches. Protecting this watershed is essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting local fisheries and tourism.