Protection of the local region

Acea pays attention to the protection of the local region and the safeguarding of biodiversity. The main activities include, by way of example, the protection of the areas around the water sources and the modernisation of the electricity distribution networks, described in the following paragraphs.
Moreover, the protection of biodiversity is contemplated in the procedures of the Environmental Management Systems, in the context of the design and construction of plants, as well as in the management of the relevant areas. For example, in the design, construction and maintenance of overhead HV/MV and LV lines by Areti and in the protection of the basins of the hydroelectric power plants by Acea Produzione, particular attention is paid to the habitat of the birdlife and the ecosystem of the fish species living in surface watercourses. Finally, as required by the Authorisations of existing plants and every time an Integrated Environmental Authorisation is renewed for a plant, this is managed by protecting the flora and fauna and protecting the environment and the landscape in which it is situated.

With reference to a specific indicator on biodiversity, required by the GRI Standards and aimed at verifying the presence of species listed in the red list (IUCN) and in the national lists of protected species in the areas of operation, in 2018 Acea launched a specific analysis. In particular, a first part of the investigation concerned an assessment of the possible location of the main treatment plants of the Water companies included in the consolidated non-financial declaration – for a total of about 50 plants – within the following types of protected areas: Sites of Community Interest (SCIs),Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). A second phase will cover the identification of protected species, if present in the areas of activity, and possible interference.
The work begun is expected to be completed in the next two years.

Acea has been monitoring a great deal of information about a particular species for years. In fact, the Peregrine Falcon nests in the area of the Acqua Vergine springs. It is a protected species that, despite preferring open and wild areas to live and nest in, can choose to do so even in artificial constructions, like towers and bell towers, in heavily built-up territories. Every year a large community including scholars, ornithologists and simple enthusiasts follows the lives of the Peregrine Falcons who live among the Acqua Vergine springs, thanks to a webcam managed by Ornis italica, an association of researchers promoting the Birdcam.it project, which broadcasts images of a nest situated on Acea infrastructure (www.birdcam.it).

SPRINGS AND PROTECTED AREAS

Through the companies Acea Ato 2, Acea Ato 5 and Gesesa, the Group mainly uses springs located in uncontaminated areas for water supply. For example, Rome is one of the few metropolises in the world to be able to boast a water resource of such excellent quality at the origin that it hardly requires pre-treatment for purification.

The supply system of the entire area covered by Ato 2 - central Lazio is composed of seven large aqueduct systems that transport water derived from 14 main sources to the distribution networks and from numerous smaller local sources (mainly wells), for a total flow that exceeds 21,000 litres/second. The drinking water distribution network extends for 9,486 km. In addition to this priceless natural heritage, Lake Bracciano is a reserve to be used only in cases of emergency, after treatment. In 2018, Acea Ato 2 completed the preparation of a water purification plant for the Tiber that, once having obtained the necessary authorisations, will be ready to be used for emergencies and after purification with an advanced treatment and disinfection process.

The drinking water system of the land of Ato 5 Southern Lazio - Frosinone is constituted by installations and networks, of conveyance and distribution, which are in charge of 7 principal sources from which likewise water pipeline systems have their origin, for a total of 5,200 km; the drinking water system of the province of Benevento also boasts a plurality of sources from which originates the water network of about 170 km of pipelines and conveyance and about 1,540 km of network of distribution.

Protection and safeguarding of water resources are also facilitated by compliance with the provisions of Legislative Decree no. 152/2006, which, in Article 94, regulates the methods for protecting areas where there is surface water and groundwater intended for human consumption.
Tables nos. 44, 45 and 46 describe the location and surface areas in square metres of the areas subject to absolute protection ¹⁰⁴ respectively in the province of Rome, in the province of Frosinone and in that of Benevento.