TORPE_LOC_LA_POZZA Wastewater Treatment Plant, Torpè, Sardinia

TORPE_LOC_LA_POZZA is an advanced wastewater treatment plant located in the Santa Caterina area of Torpè, in the province of Nuoro, Sardinia, Italy. The plant serves a population of approximately 2,661 residents, with a designed capacity of 2,600 cubic meters per day and an average discharge volume of 526.78 cubic meters per day. As an advanced treatment facility, the plant goes beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants, aligning with the requirements of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for sensitive areas. The plant's scale corresponds to a small agglomeration, for which the directive mandates appropriate treatment to protect receiving waters. The plant is located within 10 km of the coast, discharging treated wastewater into the local watershed that ultimately flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea. The advanced treatment level helps minimize nutrient loading and protects the coastal marine environment, which supports diverse aquatic life and is important for local tourism and fisheries.

The plant discharges into the coastal watershed of eastern Sardinia, with treated effluent eventually reaching the Tyrrhenian Sea. This coastal area supports seagrass meadows and marine biodiversity, making advanced treatment crucial to prevent eutrophication and protect the sensitive marine ecosystem. The region's Mediterranean climate and tourism-dependent economy further underscore the importance of maintaining high water quality standards.