Safety_Series_041_1975 - gnssn - International Atomic Energy ...

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80 APPENDIX IV
2. C h a r a c te r is tic s o f the en viron m en t
The liquid effluents of the sewer system flow into a brook
named Novellino (mean flowrate 0.3 m3/s ; range 0.15- 1 m3/s),
which in turn flows into Lake Maggiore after a course of about
1500 m (see Fig. 8). This brook also receives most drainage water
from the territory of the Establishment. The Novellino water is
not used by the inhabitants of the zone, on the contrary, the waters
of Lake Maggiore and of its only effluent, the River Ticino, represent
remarkable resources for food production: both for the fishing
activities and the latter, in addition, for the irrigation of a large
agricultural area in the districts of Milano, Novara and Pavia.
The water supply to the Ispra Establishment and to the attached
residence is through a line and pumping station located on the shore
of Lake Maggiore near the Ispra port. This is the only case in
which Lake Maggiore water is used for drinking.
The economy of the region is principally based on industry
and agricultural production is consequently very limited and fills
only a small part of the local needs. An analysis of the environs
of the Establishment (a 10 km radius area) has shown the following
surface distribution: Uncultivated 40%; sown 15%; pasture 20%;
orchard 5%; woods 20%. In the same zone the number of bovine
animals is about 6000 (of which 3500 lactating); they are fed almost
entirely with local fodder. The daily milk production ranges between
20 000 and 25 000 litres and is used about 50/50 for direct consumption
(distribution by the milk supply stations of Gallarate and
Varese) and for the production of cheese. The principal agricultural
products of the zone are maize, potatoes, wheat and rye.
The population density in the region is high: about 300 persons/km
2, including also the area of the lakes. The distribution
of the population in the surroundings of the Establishment is shown
in Fig. 9.
The meteorological profile of the zone, located at th.e foot of
the Alps and including some lakes, may be outlined in the following.
Rain is pretty high (about 1600 mm/a), particularly in spring and
autumn, showers are frequently recorded in the summer months.
Winter is normally dry and sunny, with fog occurring during the
night and occasionally during the day. The absolute humidity of the
air is high in summer, the relative humidity is high in winter,
though several very clear and windy days cause it to drop to very
low values (fohn). On most days and especially on sunny summer
days a regular wind pattern is recorded, with mountain breeze