GIVRAND la Vallee Wastewater Treatment Plant, Givrand, Pays de la Loire

GIVRAND la Vallee is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Givrand, a commune in the Vendée department of Pays de la Loire, France. The plant serves a population of about 2,883, placing it in the small agglomeration category under French regulations. Its advanced treatment level ensures high-quality effluent suitable for discharge into sensitive coastal environments. As an advanced treatment facility, GIVRAND la Vallee goes beyond secondary treatment to remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which is critical for protecting coastal waters from eutrophication. The plant has a designed capacity of 4,885 m³/day and currently treats an average daily volume of 514 m³, indicating ample reserve capacity. It operates under the French regulatory framework, which implements the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean near the Bay of Biscay. This coastal region supports diverse marine life and is important for tourism and fisheries. The advanced treatment helps minimize nutrient loading and protects the ecological health of the nearby coastal waters and estuaries.

The plant discharges into the local watershed that flows to the Atlantic Ocean, specifically into the Bay of Biscay. This coastal area supports diverse marine ecosystems, including seagrass beds and fish nurseries. The advanced treatment reduces nutrient pollution, which is crucial for preventing algal blooms and maintaining water quality in the sensitive coastal zone.