ARDO Wastewater Treatment Plant, Gourin, Bretagne, France

ARDO is a wastewater treatment plant located in Kerflouz, Gourin, in the Morbihan department of Bretagne, France. It serves the local population of approximately 4,722 residents, operating as a secondary treatment facility under the French regulatory framework. The plant has a designed capacity of 90,833 m³/day and currently discharges 842.40 m³/day of treated effluent. As a secondary treatment plant, ARDO meets the requirements of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. The directive mandates secondary treatment for populations between 2,000 and 10,000 in inland areas, which applies here. The plant's capacity utilization is low relative to its design, indicating potential for future growth or seasonal variations. The treated wastewater from ARDO is discharged into local watercourses that eventually drain into the Atlantic Ocean via the coastal watershed of southern Bretagne. The region's rivers support diverse aquatic life and contribute to the ecological health of the Bay of Biscay. The plant plays a key role in protecting these water bodies from nutrient pollution and organic load.

ARDO discharges into the inland watershed of Bretagne, which flows through small rivers and streams toward the Atlantic Ocean. The region's aquatic ecosystems support salmonid populations and other freshwater species. Downstream, the coastal waters of the Bay of Biscay are important for marine biodiversity, including seabird colonies and cetaceans. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce organic pollution and nutrient loading, safeguarding these environments.