After a somewhat extended break, we return to update you on progress of maintenance work of the sewage system of Lake Bolsena.

1) At the end of April, the second phase as agreed by all concerned parties, that of management activity, finally began after a delay (compared to the schedule communicated in our news of last January) due to administrative problems. Anticipated to last one year (with a possible one year extension), this phase provides for operational management and repair work, including the pumping stations.

2) The planned design activity should be completed by next July. This will give us a complete picture of the investment necessary to fully restore to their optimal state the pipelines, pumping stations and purification plants of Marta and Valentano.

3) The installation of a remote control system for all the pumping stations has been commissioned and is in progress. The aim of this system is the immediate reporting of any malfunctions of the pumping stations. This will allow the emergency response teams of Talete to intervene quickly to avoid spills into the lake.

4) As of May 4 the Region has entrusted the management of the operation of the treatment plant located on the Marta River to Talete, with an allocation of about €500,000. Currently the plant is (as far as possible and apart from unforeseen defects) at “zero spills”.

It seems that, after many years, this summer bathers will be able to enjoy a clean lake. There remains the problem of hidden spills and sewer pollution of the groundwater from non-compliant homes and businesses. However, Talete is continuing to monitor irregular discharges, as provided for in the memorandum of understanding.

The Lazio Region has for some time been paying particular attention to our problems, supported by the energetic action and interest of Wanda d’Ercole who was appointed General Manager of the Region in March. Also in March, Salvatore Genova (who has demonstrated his concern for the lake and the marine environment) was elected sole director of Talete.