Overview
Cocheren wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 20,200 people in the Grand Est region of France. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale.
The Cocheren wastewater treatment plant is located in the commune of Cocheren, within the Moselle department of the Grand Est region in northeastern France. The facility serves a population of around 20,200, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under European Union regulations. As a plant in France, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas, which is common in the region due to the Rhine-Meuse basin's ecological significance. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Rosselle River, a tributary of the Saar, which flows into the Moselle and then the Rhine. The Rhine is a major European waterway that empties into the North Sea, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and serving as a critical migratory corridor for fish species.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Rosselle River, a tributary of the Saar River, which flows into the Moselle and then the Rhine. The Rhine basin is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a major migratory corridor for fish such as salmon and eel. The region's industrial history and agricultural runoff necessitate effective wastewater treatment to protect water quality downstream.
Frequently asked questions
The Cocheren wastewater treatment plant is located in the commune of Cocheren, in the Moselle department of the Grand Est region in northeastern France.
The Cocheren plant serves approximately 20,200 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent from the Cocheren plant is discharged into the local watershed, which flows into the Rosselle River, a tributary of the Saar, and eventually reaches the Rhine and the North Sea.
The Cocheren plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of its size and may require tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive.
In France, plants serving around 20,000 people typically provide secondary treatment as a minimum, with tertiary treatment often required in sensitive areas to reduce nutrients and protect water quality.
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