Overview
COUTANCES wastewater treatment plant serves the city of Coutances in Normandy, France, with a designed capacity of 1.00. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The COUTANCES wastewater treatment plant is located in Coutances, Normandy, France, serving a population of approximately 19,040. The plant is situated inland but within 50 km of the coast, reflecting its role in protecting downstream water bodies. The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size (10,000-150,000 population equivalent). The designed capacity is 1.00, indicating the plant's scale relative to the population served. The plant discharges into the local watershed, which drains into the English Channel via the Sienne River and nearby coastal waters. This region supports diverse aquatic life and is important for migratory species. The plant's operation helps maintain water quality in the sensitive coastal environment of Normandy.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent flows into the Sienne River, which meanders through the Normandy countryside before reaching the English Channel near the Cotentin Peninsula. This coastal zone supports diverse marine life and is an important area for migratory birds and fish. The watershed is ecologically sensitive due to its proximity to the coast and the need to protect bathing waters and shellfish harvesting areas.
Frequently asked questions
The COUTANCES wastewater treatment plant is located in Coutances, in the Manche department of Normandy, France. Its address is Point P, Ruelle Bois au Coq, La Roquelle, Coutances.
The plant serves a population of approximately 19,040 people in the Coutances area.
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, which flows into the Sienne River and eventually reaches the English Channel near the Cotentin Peninsula.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), the COUTANCES plant, serving an agglomeration of 19,040 people, is required to provide secondary treatment. This directive aims to protect the environment from the adverse effects of urban wastewater discharges.
In France, wastewater treatment plants serving agglomerations between 10,000 and 150,000 population equivalent typically employ secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and nutrients. Some plants may also incorporate tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas.
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