Overview
Airaines wastewater treatment plant serves the commune of Airaines in Hauts-de-France, France. It is located near the Somme River and within 10 km of the coast, treating wastewater for approximately 12,000 people.
The Airaines wastewater treatment plant is located in the commune of Airaines, within the Somme department of Hauts-de-France, France. It serves a population of approximately 12,000 people, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under French regulations. The plant is situated near the Somme River and lies within 10 km of the English Channel coast. As a French wastewater facility, the plant operates under the European Union's Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The directive also mandates more stringent treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Somme River and then into the English Channel. The Somme River estuary is an ecologically important area, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a migratory corridor for birds. The plant's proximity to the coast means that its discharge can impact coastal water quality, making effective treatment essential for protecting marine ecosystems.
Environmental context
The Airaines plant discharges into the Somme River basin, which flows into the English Channel. The Somme estuary is a critical habitat for fish and bird species, including migratory waterfowl. The plant's coastal location (within 10 km of the sea) means that treated effluent can influence nearshore water quality and marine life. Effective nutrient removal is important to prevent eutrophication in the sensitive coastal zone.
Frequently asked questions
The Airaines wastewater treatment plant is located in the commune of Airaines, in the Somme department of Hauts-de-France, France. It is situated near the Somme River and within 10 km of the English Channel coast.
The plant serves approximately 11,953 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, which flows into the Somme River and eventually into the English Channel. Its coastal location requires careful management to protect marine water quality.
As a French facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size and may require tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent are required to have secondary treatment. In sensitive areas, additional nutrient removal may be required.
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