Overview
Biarritz wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 82,700 people in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Located near the Atlantic coast, it discharges treated effluent into the local watershed.
The Biarritz wastewater treatment plant is a municipal facility serving the city of Biarritz and surrounding areas in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. With a population equivalent of around 82,700, it is classified as a medium-to-large agglomeration under French regulations. As a French wastewater 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 stringent treatment if the discharge enters sensitive areas, which is relevant given the plant's coastal proximity. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean). The coastal environment supports diverse marine life and is an important area for tourism and fisheries. Proper treatment helps protect bathing water quality and marine ecosystems along the Basque coast.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the local river system that flows into the Bay of Biscay, a part of the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal region supports diverse marine habitats, including rocky shores and sandy beaches, and is ecologically sensitive due to its role as a nursery for fish and migratory species. The proximity to the coast increases the importance of effective nutrient removal to prevent eutrophication in the marine environment.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Biarritz, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France, near the Atlantic coast.
The plant serves approximately 82,700 people, classifying it as a medium-to-large agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which flows into the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean). The plant's coastal location requires careful treatment to protect marine water quality.
As a French facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which sets treatment standards based on population size and receiving water sensitivity.
Under the EU directive, agglomerations over 10,000 population equivalent require secondary treatment. For coastal discharges, additional nutrient removal may be required to protect sensitive marine areas.
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