Overview
BOURGET DU LAC SUD is a wastewater treatment plant in La Balme, France, serving approximately 7,431 people. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale.
BOURGET DU LAC SUD is a wastewater treatment plant located in La Balme, near Chambéry in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The plant serves a population of approximately 7,431 people, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under EU regulations. Its location in the Alpine foothills places it in a region with sensitive aquatic environments. As a French plant serving fewer than 10,000 people, BOURGET DU LAC SUD falls under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires appropriate treatment based on the receiving water body's sensitivity. For inland freshwater discharges in sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be required, while secondary treatment is the baseline for less sensitive waters. Regulatory compliance ensures it meets national and EU standards. The plant discharges into the local watershed, which drains into the Rhône River basin via the Leysse River or nearby streams. The Rhône ultimately flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The surrounding region includes Lake Bourget, France's largest natural lake, which is ecologically sensitive and supports diverse aquatic life. The plant's operations are critical to protecting this freshwater ecosystem from nutrient pollution and maintaining water quality for downstream communities.
Environmental context
The plant's receiving waters flow into the Leysse River, a tributary of the Rhône, which empties into the Mediterranean Sea. The nearby Lake Bourget is a large, deep lake with significant ecological value, supporting fish species like Arctic char and whitefish. Nutrient inputs from wastewater must be carefully managed to prevent eutrophication in this sensitive alpine lake environment.
Frequently asked questions
BOURGET DU LAC SUD is located in La Balme, near Chambéry, in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France.
The plant serves approximately 7,431 people, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under EU regulations.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, which flows into the Leysse River and eventually the Rhône River, reaching the Mediterranean Sea.
As a French plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which sets treatment standards based on population size and receiving water sensitivity.
For agglomerations of this size, the EU UWWTD requires secondary treatment as a minimum. In sensitive areas like the Lake Bourget region, tertiary treatment for nutrient removal may be mandated to protect water quality.
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