Overview
DOUVAINE wastewater treatment plant serves Chens-sur-Léman, France, with a designed capacity of 1.00 m³/s. It discharges into Lake Geneva, supporting the local watershed and downstream Rhône River ecosystem.
The DOUVAINE wastewater treatment plant is located in Chens-sur-Léman, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It serves a population of approximately 63,465 people and has a designed capacity of 1.00 m³/s. The plant is situated near the shores of Lake Geneva, one of Europe's largest freshwater lakes. As a French facility, DOUVAINE operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. Given the sensitive nature of the receiving water body, the plant likely employs advanced treatment to meet stringent phosphorus and nitrogen removal standards. The plant's coastal proximity (within 50 km) further emphasizes the need for effective nutrient management to prevent eutrophication. The treated effluent from DOUVAINE is discharged into Lake Geneva, which drains via the Rhône River into the Mediterranean Sea. This water body supports diverse aquatic life and is a critical resource for drinking water, recreation, and tourism. The plant plays a key role in protecting the lake's water quality and the downstream Rhône ecosystem.
Environmental context
DOUVAINE discharges into Lake Geneva, a large alpine lake that flows into the Rhône River and ultimately the Mediterranean Sea. The lake is ecologically sensitive, supporting endemic fish species and serving as a major migratory corridor for birds. Nutrient loading from wastewater can contribute to algal blooms, so the plant's treatment standards are critical for maintaining water quality in this internationally important water body.
Frequently asked questions
The DOUVAINE plant is located in Chens-sur-Léman, in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France. It is situated near the shores of Lake Geneva.
The DOUVAINE plant serves approximately 63,465 people, classifying it as a medium-to-large agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated wastewater from DOUVAINE is discharged into Lake Geneva, which flows into the Rhône River and eventually reaches the Mediterranean Sea.
DOUVAINE operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations over 2,000 population equivalent and tertiary treatment in sensitive areas like Lake Geneva.
For plants of this scale in France, secondary treatment with nutrient removal is standard, often including biological phosphorus and nitrogen removal to meet EU standards for sensitive water bodies.
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