Étangs Aérés Secteur Desjardins Wastewater Treatment Plant, Lévis, Québec

Étangs Aérés Secteur Desjardins is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in the Desjardins district of Lévis, Québec, Canada. The plant serves a population of over 107,000, classifying it as a large agglomeration under Canadian wastewater standards. It is situated near the St. Lawrence River, which is the primary receiving water body for treated effluent. As a large-scale facility in Québec, the plant is subject to provincial regulations under the Environment Quality Act and the Municipal Wastewater Effluent Regulations (MWER) enforced by Environment and Climate Change Canada. These regulations require secondary treatment or equivalent for plants serving populations over 10,000, with additional phosphorus removal in sensitive areas. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in million cubic meters per year or similar unit), indicating a substantial infrastructure investment. The plant's treated effluent discharges into the St. Lawrence River, one of the largest rivers in North America, which flows northeast into the Gulf of St. Lawrence and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. The river supports diverse aquatic life, including fish species such as Atlantic sturgeon and American eel, and is an important migratory corridor for birds. The plant's operation helps protect water quality in this ecologically significant watershed.

The plant discharges into the St. Lawrence River, which flows through Québec and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a major estuary and marine ecosystem. The river supports diverse aquatic habitats and is critical for species such as beluga whales and Atlantic salmon. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast means its effluent can influence coastal water quality, making effective treatment essential for protecting downstream environments.