Valle di Cadore Terchie Wastewater Treatment Plant, Veneto, Italy

Valle di Cadore Terchie is an advanced wastewater treatment plant located in Valle di Cadore, in the Veneto region of northern Italy. The plant serves a population of approximately 2,046 residents, reflecting its role in a small Alpine community. It is situated in the province of Belluno, within the Dolomites area, a region known for its mountainous terrain and tourism. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients and other pollutants. With a designed capacity of 3,200 m³/day and a current discharge volume of 405.04 m³/day, the facility operates well below its capacity, indicating room for future growth or seasonal variations. As an Italian plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates advanced treatment for sensitive areas and agglomerations of this scale. The treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Piave River, a major river in the Veneto region flowing into the Adriatic Sea. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the Piave basin and the downstream coastal environment from nutrient pollution, supporting aquatic life and water quality in a region valued for its natural heritage.

The plant discharges into the Piave River basin, which flows southeast through the Veneto region and empties into the Adriatic Sea near Venice. The Piave River supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is an important water resource for agriculture and tourism. The advanced treatment level helps reduce nutrient loads, protecting downstream waters from eutrophication and preserving the ecological balance of the Adriatic coastal zone.