Overview
Bidart wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 26,567 people in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It is located near the coast and operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The Bidart wastewater treatment plant is situated in the commune of Bidart, within the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It serves a population of around 26,567, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is located near the Atlantic coast, less than 50 km from the shoreline, and its address is Rue des Tamaris, Lapurdi, Bidart. As a French wastewater facility, Bidart operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into coastal waters. French regulations mandate compliance with national standards derived from the directive, ensuring adequate treatment before discharge. The treated effluent from Bidart ultimately flows into the Bay of Biscay, part of the Atlantic Ocean. The local watershed includes small coastal rivers and streams that drain the Basque Country region. The receiving environment supports diverse marine life, including fisheries and migratory species. The plant's proximity to the coast underscores the importance of effective nutrient removal to prevent eutrophication in sensitive coastal ecosystems.
Environmental context
Bidart's treated wastewater discharges into the Bay of Biscay via local coastal streams. The Bay of Biscay is a productive marine ecosystem supporting fisheries, seabirds, and marine mammals. Nutrient inputs from wastewater can contribute to eutrophication in coastal zones, making tertiary treatment beneficial for sensitive areas. The plant's location near the Atlantic coast highlights the need for robust treatment to protect water quality and marine biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
The Bidart wastewater treatment plant is located at Rue des Tamaris, Lapurdi, Bidart, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
The Bidart plant serves approximately 26,567 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent from the Bidart plant is discharged into the Bay of Biscay via local coastal streams and rivers in the Basque Country region.
The Bidart plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size discharging into coastal waters.
For agglomerations of this size in France, secondary treatment is typically required under the EU UWWTD. In sensitive coastal areas, additional nutrient removal may be mandated to protect marine ecosystems.
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