Update 19.07.18

The restoration work on the circumlacual collector managed by COBALB is nearing completion, even though it was slowed down by recent bad weather. The last major obstacle is the SS9, the lifting station with the greatest electrical power, where it was necessary to replace the 20 kV transformer.

Only when all the work on the manifold is finished and tested will all the renewed parts of the system be made operational: the new pumps, the new electrical panels and the electrical installations. Until to this date – by mid-August according to the COBALB director – spills from the pumping stations will continue to happen. Recently there have been breakdowns at stations SS5, SS13 (see photo) and SS15, while from station SS9 spills continue almost uninterrupted; the San Lorenzo Nuovo substation “La Frana” is still out of service.

In the second half of August work will finally begin on the restoration of the Marta purification plant, which will keep the teams occupied until at least the end of the year. As we understand it, all the waste water from the area (except for the solid mass retained in the plant) will end up in the Marta river, without any purification.

And then? Will Talete Spa take charge of the system, ensuring management and maintenance as required by law? There are signs that this is doubtful. It seems possible that Talete will request further improvements to the system in order to delay this step.