CAMOEL Wastewater Treatment Plant, Camoël, Brittany, France

The CAMOEL wastewater treatment plant is located in Camoël, a commune in the Morbihan department of Brittany, France. It serves a population of approximately 2,915 people and operates with advanced treatment processes, reflecting France's commitment to high environmental standards under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). As an advanced treatment facility, CAMOEL goes beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which is particularly important for plants near sensitive coastal areas. The plant has a designed capacity of 6,200 m³/day and currently discharges 520.03 m³/day, indicating ample capacity for future growth. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means its treated effluent ultimately reaches the Atlantic Ocean via local rivers and estuaries. This coastal discharge requires stringent treatment to protect marine ecosystems, including shellfish beds and migratory fish habitats. The advanced treatment level helps minimize nutrient loading that could cause eutrophication in coastal waters.

The CAMOEL plant discharges into the local watershed that drains into the Vilaine River estuary and eventually the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal region supports diverse marine life, including important fisheries and migratory bird populations. The advanced treatment helps protect the sensitive estuarine and coastal environment from nutrient pollution.