URURI_SANTA_VENERE Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ururi, Molise, Italy

URURI_SANTA_VENERE is a wastewater treatment plant located in Ururi, a town in the province of Campobasso, Molise region, Italy. The plant serves a population of approximately 3,406 people, classifying it as a small agglomeration under Italian and EU regulations. It is situated inland, more than 10 km from the coast but within 50 km of the Adriatic Sea. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the secondary treatment standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. With a designed capacity of 3,500 m³/day and a reported discharge volume of 674.27 m³/day, the plant operates well below its capacity, indicating potential for future growth or seasonal variability. The plant's advanced treatment ensures high-quality effluent, reducing nutrient loads and protecting downstream water bodies. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that eventually drain into the Adriatic Sea. The Molise region features a mix of agricultural and natural landscapes, and the plant plays a key role in maintaining water quality in the Biferno River basin and adjacent coastal ecosystems. By removing pollutants, the plant helps protect aquatic life and supports the ecological health of the Adriatic coastal zone.

The plant discharges into local streams that flow into the Biferno River, which empties into the Adriatic Sea near Termoli. The Adriatic Sea in this area supports diverse marine life, including fish nurseries and migratory species. Advanced treatment reduces nutrient pollution, mitigating eutrophication risks in the coastal waters. The watershed is influenced by agricultural runoff, making the plant's nutrient removal critical for maintaining water quality in the river and sea.