FIRMINY Unieux La Noirie, Unieux

Overview

FIRMINY Unieux La Noirie wastewater treatment plant serves Unieux, France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It treats wastewater for approximately 85,286 people.

FIRMINY Unieux La Noirie is a wastewater treatment plant located in Unieux, within the Loire department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France. The plant serves a population of approximately 85,286, classifying it as a medium-to-large agglomeration under French and EU regulations. As a facility operating under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), the plant is expected to provide at least secondary treatment, with tertiary treatment required if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The directive mandates that agglomerations over 10,000 population equivalent must meet specific effluent standards. The plant discharges treated water into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Loire River, one of France's major rivers. The Loire basin supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is an important ecological corridor. Proper treatment helps protect downstream water quality and biodiversity.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Loire River basin, which flows through central France before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire is known for its diverse fish populations and migratory species. The watershed includes sensitive areas that may require advanced treatment to prevent eutrophication and protect aquatic habitats.

Frequently asked questions

The plant is located at Rue Henri Barbusse, Les Echandes, Unieux, in the Loire department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France.

The plant serves approximately 85,286 people, classifying it as a medium-to-large agglomeration under EU regulations.

The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Loire River and then to the Atlantic Ocean.

The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size, with tertiary treatment in sensitive areas.

Under the EU directive, plants serving over 10,000 population equivalent must provide at least secondary treatment. Many French plants also incorporate nutrient removal to protect sensitive water bodies.