CHAPELLE ACHARD Wastewater Treatment Plant, Les Achards, France

The CHAPELLE ACHARD wastewater treatment plant is located in Les Achards, in the Vendée department of Pays de la Loire, France. It serves a population of 1,500 and operates with secondary treatment, discharging an average of 267.60 cubic meters per day. The plant has a designed capacity of 5,300 cubic meters per day. As a French wastewater facility, it operates under the national regulations that implement the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). For agglomerations of this size (under 2,000 population equivalent), the directive requires appropriate treatment, and secondary treatment is standard. The plant's capacity utilization is low, indicating it has room to handle future growth. The plant is situated within 10 km of the Atlantic coast, making its discharge potentially impactful on coastal water quality. The treated effluent likely flows into local streams that drain into the Bay of Biscay. Protecting the coastal environment is critical for tourism, fisheries, and marine ecosystems in the region.

The plant is located near the Atlantic coast of France, within the Vendée region. Treated wastewater likely discharges into small coastal streams that flow into the Bay of Biscay, a productive marine area supporting diverse aquatic life. The proximity to the coast means that nutrient and pathogen removal is important to prevent eutrophication and protect bathing waters and shellfish areas.