GOEULZIN Wastewater Treatment Plant, Férin, Hauts-de-France, France

GOEULZIN is a wastewater treatment plant located in Férin, a commune in the Nord department of Hauts-de-France, France. The plant serves a population of 2,412 and operates under secondary treatment, which is the standard level required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive for agglomerations of this size. The plant has a designed capacity of 4,500 cubic meters per day and currently discharges 430.30 cubic meters per day, indicating it operates well below its capacity. As a French facility, GOEULZIN is regulated under national transposition of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). For agglomerations with a population equivalent between 2,000 and 10,000, secondary treatment is mandatory. The plant's secondary treatment process typically involves biological treatment to reduce organic matter and suspended solids, ensuring compliance with EU standards before discharge. The treated effluent from GOEULZIN is discharged into local watercourses that eventually drain into the Scheldt River basin. The Scheldt flows through northern France and Belgium before reaching the North Sea. The plant plays a key role in protecting the local aquatic environment by reducing nutrient and pollutant loads, supporting the ecological health of the Scheldt estuary and the downstream marine ecosystem.

GOEULZIN discharges into the Scheldt River basin, which flows through the Hauts-de-France region and into Belgium, ultimately reaching the North Sea. The Scheldt estuary is an ecologically sensitive area that supports diverse aquatic life, including migratory fish species. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce organic pollution and nutrient loads, mitigating eutrophication risks in the downstream river and coastal waters.