Lombardy Approves New Wastewater System for Limone and Tremosine
The Lombardy Region has approved the second phase project for the purification plant serving Limone and Tremosine: “This news has been awaited for a long time” – emphasized Guido Maruelli, president of the Azienda speciale Garda Uno, and Vice President Mario Quecchia. “Since studies related to the planned sewer collectors are already completed, new construction sites will soon be opened to complete the system in the Upper Lake area.” Previously, this region was never connected to the… main network. From Gargnano to Sirmione, all wastewater has been diverted to Peschiera for years, some via land, others (Gardone Riviera, Salò, and nearby locations) through pipelines laid on the bottom, from Toscolano Maderno to Torri. Limone, Campione, and Tremosine, on the other hand, had been relying on inefficient solutions. Now, the final approval has arrived from Pirellone. The two locations will have their own facilities. These will be built on a disused section of the old route 45 bis. Regarding the establishment of the spa “Garda Ambiente” (divided equally between Brescians and Veronese), the operational branch that will manage the entire water cycle and Gardalumen (a società a responsabilità limitata created by Azienda speciale Garda Uno and Lumenergia), focusing on hydroelectric plants and energy-related activities, the feedback has been positive. “The creation of a unified structure,” Quecchia highlighted, “will mark a turning point in institutional relations and represent a qualitative leap for the entire basin. The commitment in the energy sector, with a partner like Lumenergia—which has a well-established entrepreneurial history—will further strengthen the shift toward more industrial connotations, without forgetting our origins and purpose, serving the communities along the Gardesana.” The assembly of the mayors from the western Riviera, chaired by Cino Anelli (Desenzano), held in Portese, also approved the financial statement for 2000. The profit was 14 million euros, after registering 458 million euros in taxes. The wastewater treatment plant generated a profit of 2.1 billion euros, while the black well (where wastewater not directed to the plant is disposed of) earned 1.3 billion euros. Conversely, the management of the collectors (-1.85 billion euros) and aqueduct and sewer systems (-132 million euros) closed in deficit, to which shared costs must be added. Waste collection also recorded a deficit of half a billion euros. The reason? “Partially due to missed tariff adjustments, despite the increased services offered,” explained Quecchia. “And partly due to changes in regulations. For example, treatment of refrigerators or TVs. In the past, these items represented a revenue source because we disposed of them among ferrous materials. Now, they are considered special waste, requiring costly disposal procedures.” The technical office, which designs projects on behalf of municipalities, manages procurement procedures, oversees work execution, and performs inspections, reported a profit of 215 million euros. The total revenue volume increased from 23.3 to 30.1 billion euros, a 35% rise; the number of employees increased from 89 to 113; total activities reached almost 127 billion euros, with a net worth exceeding 69 billion euros. In 2000, investments slightly exceeded six billion euros, of which 54% were financed through non-repayable grants. Azienda speciale Garda Uno serves a population of 98,000 residents. The Board of Auditors, chaired by Massimo Pollini, newly elected mayor of Moniga, has issued a favorable opinion. The next meeting is scheduled for today to discuss and examine candidates for the supervisory boards of the two new companies, highly sought-after positions. With the removal of the clause that prevented mayors and local administrators from being appointed to Garda Ambiente and Gardalumen, provided that the municipality’s statutes allow it, the number of hopefuls is increasing.
