Chauffailles Lieu Dit Vitron Wastewater Treatment Plant, Chauffailles, France

The Chauffailles Lieu Dit Vitron wastewater treatment plant is located in the commune of Chauffailles, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France. It serves a population of approximately 2,291 residents, making it a small-scale municipal facility. The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its treated effluent is discharged into the local river system. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the secondary treatment required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. With a designed capacity of 5,000 cubic meters per day and a current discharge volume of 408.71 cubic meters per day, the facility operates well below its capacity. This advanced treatment ensures high-quality effluent, reducing nutrient loads and protecting receiving waters. The treated wastewater from Chauffailles flows into the local watershed, which is part of the Loire basin. The Loire River is one of France's longest rivers, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for agriculture and recreation. By maintaining advanced treatment, the plant helps preserve water quality in this ecologically important region, contributing to the health of downstream ecosystems.

The plant discharges into the local river system, which feeds into the Loire River basin. The Loire is a major European river that flows into the Atlantic Ocean, supporting diverse fish species and migratory birds. The advanced treatment at this plant helps reduce nutrient pollution, protecting the river's ecological balance and downstream habitats.