Overview
Équeurdreville wastewater treatment plant serves Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Normandy, France, with a population equivalent of 30,000. It is located near the coast and operates under EU regulations.
The Équeurdreville wastewater treatment plant is located in the Cherbourg-en-Cotentin area of Normandy, France. It serves a population equivalent of approximately 30,000 people, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under EU classification. The plant is situated in the Hameau de la Mer district, close to the English Channel coast. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), agglomerations of this size are required to provide secondary treatment as a minimum. In sensitive areas, such as coastal zones, more stringent treatment may be mandated to protect marine water quality. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per day or similar unit), indicating its scale of operation. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the English Channel, which is a vital marine ecosystem supporting diverse aquatic life, including fish stocks and migratory species. The plant plays a key role in protecting the coastal waters of the Cotentin Peninsula from nutrient pollution and pathogens, contributing to the overall health of the Channel's marine environment.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the English Channel, a major marine water body that connects to the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal waters near Cherbourg support rich biodiversity, including seabird colonies and marine 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 the Équeurdreville-Hainneville district of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, in the Manche department of Normandy, France. It is situated near the coast of the English Channel.
The plant serves a population equivalent of approximately 30,000 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU standards.
The treated effluent is discharged into the English Channel, which is a major marine water body. The plant's coastal location requires compliance with stringent discharge standards to protect marine ecosystems.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 2,000 PE. As a coastal plant in a sensitive area, it may also require advanced treatment to prevent eutrophication.
In France, plants serving 30,000 PE typically provide at least secondary treatment. For coastal discharges, additional nutrient removal may be required to meet the EU directive's standards for sensitive areas.
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