Cavarzere Unanimously Opposes Sludge Incineration Plant in Loreo
The Cavarzere City Council has delivered a unanimous negative opinion regarding a proposed sludge recovery and incineration plant slated for Loreo, presented by Green Large Solution Srl of Saronno. The project, submitted to the Veneto Region for environmental impact assessment, aims to process 60,000 tons of civil and industrial sludge annually - material sourced from purification processes and sewers – through drying, energy recovery, and potential phosphorus recovery from the resulting ash.
Cavarzere’s opposition stems from the plant’s proximity to the municipality,and concerns over potential environmental and health impacts. Legambiente has raised further concerns, highlighting the logistical burden of transporting approximately 30 tons of sludge daily, requiring an estimated 2,000 truck journeys per year and the associated pollution. The proposed location is on agricultural land within an equipped industrial area in the Bass Polesine, near the border of the Po Delta Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Mayor Pierfrancesco Munari, alongside councilors Turatti, Bernello, Garbin, Spizzarin, Rusca and Fava, presented the motion of opposition. it has been forwarded to the Veneto Region,the Province of Rovigo,the Po Delta Park Authority,ARPAV (the regional environmental protection agency),the ULSS 5 (local health authority),and other relevant authorities.
Councilor Ilaria Turatti emphasized the potential for the incineration process to release polluting substances, specifically mentioning PFAS, heavy metals, and other perilous compounds.Legambiente’s local chapter notes that while these substances haven’t been identified in previous authorization documentation, specialized thermal treatment is necessary for their effective elimination.
“We consider it a duty to take a clear and shared political position,” stated Mayor Munari, reflecting the unanimous support of the twelve councilors present. Cavarzere officials stress the importance of informing and engaging citizens of neighboring municipalities regarding the risks associated with sludge incineration. This opposition follows Cavarzere’s previous unfavorable opinion regarding the construction of a Biomethane plant within its own municipal boundaries,marking another environmental battle for the community.
