Coullons Wastewater Treatment Plant, Coullons, Centre-Val de Loire, France

The Coullons wastewater treatment plant is located in the commune of Coullons, within the Loiret department of the Centre-Val de Loire region in north-central France. This facility serves a population of approximately 2,126 residents, classifying it as a small agglomeration under French and EU regulations. 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 2,300 cubic meters per day and a current discharge volume of 379.27 cubic meters per day, the plant operates well within its capacity, ensuring effective treatment of local wastewater. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Loire River, one of France's major waterways. The Loire River basin supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is an important ecological corridor. The plant's advanced treatment helps protect downstream water quality and the ecological health of the Loire River and its tributaries.

The Coullons plant discharges treated wastewater into the local water system, which flows into the Loire River basin. The Loire River is the longest river in France and supports a rich diversity of fish species, including Atlantic salmon and European eel. The river's floodplain and wetlands provide critical habitat for migratory birds. Advanced treatment at the plant helps reduce nutrient loading and protects the ecological balance of this important watershed.