FLORAC Wastewater Treatment Plant, Florac Trois Rivières, Occitanie, France

The FLORAC wastewater treatment plant is located in Florac Trois Rivières, in the Occitanie region of southern France. It serves a population of approximately 3,035 people, classifying it as a small agglomeration under French and EU regulations. The plant is situated in the Tarn River valley, within the Lozère department, and plays a key role in protecting local water quality. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive's minimum requirement of secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. Advanced treatment typically includes nutrient removal (nitrogen and phosphorus) to reduce eutrophication risks in sensitive water bodies. The designed capacity is 8,000 m³/day, with an actual discharge volume of 541.44 m³/day, indicating ample reserve capacity. The treated effluent is discharged into the Tarn River, which flows through the Gorges du Tarn and eventually joins the Garonne River before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. The plant's advanced treatment helps protect the Tarn's aquatic ecosystem, which supports diverse fish populations and is a popular area for recreation and tourism.

The FLORAC plant discharges into the Tarn River, a major tributary of the Garonne River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean via the Gironde estuary. The Tarn River in this region is known for its scenic gorges and supports a variety of aquatic life, including trout and other sensitive species. Advanced treatment at the plant reduces nutrient loads, helping to prevent algal blooms and maintain water quality in the downstream river system.