Overview
Caumont-sur-Durance wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 5,800 residents in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, ensuring proper treatment before discharge.
The Caumont-sur-Durance wastewater treatment plant is located in the commune of Caumont-sur-Durance, within the Vaucluse department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. The facility serves a population of approximately 5,800 people, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under European Union regulations. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), plants serving between 2,000 and 10,000 population equivalents are required to provide secondary treatment. The plant is expected to meet this standard to protect the local environment. The facility is part of France's national wastewater infrastructure, regulated by the French Ministry of Ecology and local water agencies. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the Durance River, a major tributary of the Rhône River. The Durance flows southwest to join the Rhône near Avignon, which then empties into the Mediterranean Sea. This waterway supports diverse aquatic life and is important for irrigation and recreation in the region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Durance River, which flows into the Rhône River and ultimately the Mediterranean Sea. The Durance is a dynamic river with seasonal flow variations, supporting a variety of fish species and riparian habitats. The downstream Rhône delta is an ecologically sensitive area with extensive wetlands and migratory bird routes. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect water quality in this interconnected system.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at Avenue Jean Moulin, Caumont-sur-Durance, in the Vaucluse department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, southeastern France.
The plant serves approximately 5,800 residents, classifying it as a small to medium agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated effluent is discharged into the Durance River, a tributary of the Rhône River, which flows to the Mediterranean Sea.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. French national regulations and local water agency permits also apply.
For small to medium agglomerations in France, secondary treatment is standard, often involving biological processes such as activated sludge or trickling filters, to reduce organic matter and suspended solids before discharge.
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