Overview
Graulhet wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 99,000 people in Occitanie, France. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale.
The Graulhet wastewater treatment plant is located in Graulhet, a commune in the Tarn department of the Occitanie region in southern France. The plant serves a population equivalent of approximately 99,000, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. It is situated inland, away from the coast, and discharges into the local river system. As a facility serving over 10,000 population equivalent, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC. This directive requires secondary treatment for all discharges from agglomerations of this size, with more stringent tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The plant's operational context is shaped by French national regulations that implement the directive, overseen by regional water agencies. The treated effluent from the Graulhet plant is discharged into the Dadou River, a tributary of the Tarn River, which flows into the Garonne River and eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean via the Gironde estuary. The Dadou River supports diverse aquatic life and is part of a watershed that provides water for agriculture and recreation. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in this region.
Environmental context
The Graulhet plant discharges into the Dadou River, a tributary of the Tarn River, which flows into the Garonne River and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. The Dadou River supports a variety of fish species and is part of a watershed that sustains agricultural activities and local ecosystems. The plant's treatment processes help maintain water quality in this river system, which is important for both ecological health and downstream uses.
Frequently asked questions
The Graulhet plant is located in Graulhet, in the Tarn department of the Occitanie region in southern France.
The plant serves approximately 99,000 people, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Dadou River, a tributary of the Tarn River, which flows into the Garonne River and eventually the Atlantic Ocean.
As a plant serving over 10,000 population equivalent, it is required to provide at least secondary treatment under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, with potential tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive.
Plants of this scale in France typically employ secondary treatment (biological treatment) as a minimum, and may include nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas, in compliance with the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
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