Overview
COUARDE SUR MER wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 37,500 people in France métropolitaine. Located near the Atlantic coast, it operates under EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive standards.
The COUARDE SUR MER wastewater treatment plant is situated in France métropolitaine, serving a population of around 37,500. Its location near the Atlantic coast places it in a sensitive coastal environment where wastewater management is critical for protecting marine ecosystems. As a French facility serving a medium-sized agglomeration, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). This directive requires secondary treatment for discharges into coastal waters, and tertiary treatment if the receiving area is designated as sensitive. The plant's designed capacity of 1.00 (likely in thousands of cubic meters per day) indicates it is sized to handle the community's wastewater load. The treated effluent from this plant ultimately reaches the Atlantic Ocean, contributing to the overall water quality of the Bay of Biscay. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect the diverse marine life along this coastline, which includes important fisheries and migratory species.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean via local waterways, ultimately affecting the Bay of Biscay. This coastal region supports diverse marine ecosystems, including fish nurseries and migratory bird habitats. Effective wastewater treatment is crucial to prevent eutrophication and maintain water quality for tourism and fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in France métropolitaine, near the Atlantic coast of France, serving the community of Couarde-sur-Mer and surrounding areas.
The plant serves approximately 37,500 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into local waterways that flow into the Atlantic Ocean, ultimately reaching the Bay of Biscay.
As a French plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for coastal discharges and tertiary treatment in sensitive areas.
For agglomerations of this size, French plants typically provide secondary biological treatment. If the receiving water is sensitive, tertiary treatment for nutrient removal may be required.
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