COURZIEU Wastewater Treatment Plant, Bessenay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

The COURZIEU wastewater treatment plant is located in Bessenay, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It serves a population of 783 and has a designed capacity of 2200 m³/day, with an average discharge volume of 139.69 m³/day. The plant provides advanced treatment, ensuring high-quality effluent before discharge. As a French facility, the plant operates under the national regulations transposing the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). For small agglomerations like this, the directive requires appropriate treatment, and advanced treatment goes beyond secondary standards, often including nutrient removal to protect sensitive water bodies. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Rhône River basin. The Rhône flows into the Mediterranean Sea, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems. Advanced treatment helps minimize nutrient loading and protects downstream water quality.

The plant discharges into the local watershed within the Rhône River basin, which flows southward to the Mediterranean Sea. The Rhône is a major European river supporting diverse aquatic life and migratory fish species. Advanced treatment reduces nutrient pollution, helping to prevent eutrophication in downstream water bodies and the coastal zone.