ABBEVILLE Wastewater Treatment Plant, Abbeville, Hauts-de-France, France

The ABBEVILLE wastewater treatment plant is located on the right bank of the Somme River in Abbeville, Hauts-de-France, France. It serves a population of about 55,000 people, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated inland, more than 50 km from the coast, and discharges into the Somme River system. As a French facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The treated effluent is discharged into the Somme River, which flows into the Somme Bay and eventually the English Channel. The Somme Bay is an ecologically important estuary supporting diverse birdlife and aquatic habitats. The plant plays a key role in protecting this downstream environment by reducing pollutant loads before discharge.

The plant discharges into the Somme River, which flows through the Somme Bay and into the English Channel. The Somme Bay is a major estuarine ecosystem that supports migratory birds and diverse aquatic species. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this sensitive coastal transition zone, which is important for both local biodiversity and regional fisheries.