Overview
Biscarrosse Birebrac wastewater treatment plant serves 18,400 people in Biscarrosse, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It is located near the Atlantic coast and operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The Biscarrosse Birebrac wastewater treatment plant serves the commune of Biscarrosse in the Landes department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, southwestern France. With a population equivalent of 18,400, it is classified as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near the Atlantic coast, approximately 50 km inland, and plays a key role in protecting the region's sensitive coastal and lake environments. As a French 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 proximity to coastal waters and the Landes de Gascogne regional natural park. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in thousands of cubic meters per day), indicating it is sized appropriately for the served population. The treated effluent is discharged into the local hydrological network, which ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean via the coastal lakes and the Bassin d'Arcachon. This area is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as an important migratory corridor for birds. The plant's operation helps maintain water quality in the sensitive dune and wetland ecosystems of the Aquitaine coast.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the local watershed that feeds the coastal lakes of the Landes region, such as Étang de Biscarrosse and Étang de Parentis, which are connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Canal des Étangs. These lakes and surrounding wetlands are ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic flora and fauna, including migratory birds. The downstream environment includes the Bassin d'Arcachon, a major marine inlet known for its oyster farming and rich biodiversity. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and protect these valuable ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Biscarrosse, a commune in the Landes department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, southwestern France. It serves the local population and is situated near the Atlantic coast.
The plant serves approximately 18,400 people, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local hydrological network, which flows into the coastal lakes of the Landes region and eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean via the Bassin d'Arcachon.
As a French facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size and may require advanced treatment if discharging into sensitive areas.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving between 10,000 and 100,000 population equivalent are required to have secondary treatment. In sensitive areas, such as coastal zones, tertiary treatment may be required to reduce nutrients.
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