EQUIHEN Wastewater Treatment Plant, Équihen-Plage, Hauts-de-France

EQUIHEN wastewater treatment plant is located in Équihen-Plage, a coastal commune in the Pas-de-Calais department of Hauts-de-France, France. The plant serves a population of 5,333 and is situated along the Sentier du Littoral, near Boulogne-sur-Mer. As a facility in a coastal area, it plays a key role in protecting the local marine environment. 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 9,333 cubic meters per day and a reported discharge volume of 951.40, the plant is equipped to handle the wastewater generated by the community and seasonal visitors. The treated effluent is discharged into the coastal waters of the English Channel, which supports diverse marine life and is an important area for fisheries and tourism. The plant's advanced treatment helps minimize nutrient and pollutant loads, safeguarding water quality in the region.

The plant discharges into the coastal waters of the English Channel, which ultimately connects to the North Sea. This area supports diverse marine ecosystems, including fish nurseries and migratory bird habitats. The advanced treatment helps reduce the impact on sensitive coastal environments, which are important for local biodiversity and tourism.