Overview
ALTKIRCH wastewater treatment plant serves Altkirch, Grand Est, France. It treats wastewater for approximately 19,000 people under EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive regulations.
The ALTKIRCH wastewater treatment plant is located in Altkirch, Haut-Rhin, Grand Est, France. It serves a population of approximately 19,000 residents, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under European Union regulations. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its treated effluent is discharged into local watercourses that eventually drain into the Rhine River basin. As a French facility serving a population between 10,000 and 100,000, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for such agglomerations. The directive also requires more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The plant's compliance is overseen by French water agencies and local authorities, ensuring adherence to national and European standards for wastewater treatment. The treated wastewater from ALTKIRCH is discharged into the local watershed, which is part of the larger Rhine basin. The Rhine River is a major European waterway that flows through several countries before reaching the North Sea. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the water quality of local streams and the Rhine ecosystem, supporting aquatic life and downstream communities.
Environmental context
The ALTKIRCH plant discharges treated wastewater into local streams that are tributaries of the Ill River, which flows into the Rhine River. The Rhine basin is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic species and serving as a migratory corridor for fish. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this important river system, which ultimately drains into the North Sea. Protecting the Rhine's water quality is vital for both ecological health and human uses such as drinking water and recreation.
Frequently asked questions
The ALTKIRCH plant is located on D 432 in Altkirch, Haut-Rhin, Grand Est, France. It serves the municipality of Altkirch and surrounding areas.
The plant serves approximately 19,000 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU wastewater treatment regulations.
The treated wastewater is discharged into local streams that are part of the Ill River watershed, which flows into the Rhine River and eventually reaches the North Sea.
As a French plant serving over 10,000 people, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment. French water agencies enforce compliance with national and European standards.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving populations between 10,000 and 100,000 are required to provide secondary treatment. In sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be mandated to remove nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
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