Overview
Fos sur mer wastewater treatment plant serves the commune of Fos-sur-Mer in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. It is located within 50 km of the Mediterranean coast and serves a population of approximately 21,940.
The Fos sur mer wastewater treatment plant is located in Fos-sur-Mer, a commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southern France. The plant serves a population of about 21,940 residents and is situated near the Mediterranean coast, within 50 km of the shoreline. As a French wastewater treatment facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which sets standards for collection, treatment, and discharge of urban wastewater. For agglomerations of this size (between 10,000 and 100,000 population equivalent), the directive requires secondary treatment as a minimum, with more stringent treatment in sensitive areas. The plant's designed capacity volume is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per day or similar unit), indicating its scale. The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Mediterranean Sea. The region's coastal environment includes the Gulf of Fos, an important area for marine biodiversity and economic activities such as shipping and industry. Proper treatment is essential to protect the sensitive marine ecosystem and comply with French and EU regulations.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent flows into the local water system, which drains into the Gulf of Fos, a part of the Mediterranean Sea. The Gulf of Fos supports diverse marine life and is adjacent to the Camargue region, an ecologically significant area with wetlands and migratory bird habitats. The Mediterranean coastal zone is sensitive to nutrient pollution, making effective wastewater treatment critical for maintaining water quality and ecosystem health.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Fos-sur-Mer, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southern France, near the Mediterranean coast.
The plant serves approximately 21,940 residents of Fos-sur-Mer and surrounding areas.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Gulf of Fos and the Mediterranean Sea.
As a French plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size, with potential for more stringent treatment in sensitive coastal areas.
Under the EU UWWTD, plants serving between 10,000 and 100,000 population equivalent are typically required to have secondary treatment (biological treatment) as a minimum, with tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas like the Mediterranean coast.
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