Overview
Argelès-Gazost wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 7,000 people in Occitanie, France. The facility operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, ensuring compliance with secondary treatment standards for its population tier
The Argelès-Gazost wastewater treatment plant is located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of Occitanie, southwestern France. It serves the commune of Argelès-Gazost, a small town in the Pyrenees foothills, with a population of around 7,000 residents. The plant is situated along the D 821 road, near the Gave de Pau river valley. As a facility serving a population equivalent of 7,000, the plant falls under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations between 2,000 and 10,000 population equivalent discharging into freshwater. The plant's treatment process is designed to meet these regulatory standards, ensuring effective removal of organic matter and nutrients before discharge. The treated effluent is discharged into the Gave de Pau river, which flows through the Pyrenees and eventually joins the Gaves Réunis before reaching the Adour river and the Bay of Biscay. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the local aquatic ecosystem and downstream water quality in a region known for its biodiversity and tourism.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Gave de Pau, a river that originates in the Pyrenees and flows northward through the Lavedan valley. The river supports diverse aquatic life, including migratory fish species such as salmon and trout. Downstream, the Gave de Pau joins the Gave d'Oloron to form the Gaves Réunis, which flows into the Adour river and ultimately reaches the Bay of Biscay. The watershed is ecologically sensitive due to its mountainous terrain and the presence of riparian habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at D 821, Argelès-Gazost, Hautes-Pyrénées, Occitanie, France, in the Pyrenees foothills near the Gave de Pau river.
The plant serves approximately 7,000 residents of Argelès-Gazost and surrounding areas.
Treated effluent is discharged into the Gave de Pau river, which flows through the Pyrenees and eventually reaches the Bay of Biscay via the Adour river system.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of 2,000 to 10,000 population equivalent discharging into freshwater.
Under the EU directive, plants serving 7,000 people are required to provide secondary treatment, which includes biological treatment to remove organic matter and nutrients, ensuring compliance with discharge standards.
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