Overview
Henin Beaumont wastewater treatment plant serves Hénin-Beaumont, Hauts-de-France, France, treating wastewater for approximately 148,000 residents. The plant operates under EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC.
Henin Beaumont is a wastewater treatment plant located in Hénin-Beaumont, a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department of Hauts-de-France, France. The plant serves an estimated population of 148,000, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. It is situated in the Nord-Ouest quarter, near the Canal de la Deûle, and plays a key role in managing municipal wastewater for the Lens urban area. As a large agglomeration, the plant is expected to meet the requirements of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment as a minimum, and tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive. The plant's scale implies compliance with these standards to protect downstream water quality. The treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, ultimately flowing into the Deûle River and then the Scheldt basin, which drains into the North Sea. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is important for regional ecology and water resource management. The plant's operation helps reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, contributing to the health of the Scheldt estuary and coastal waters.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Deûle River, a tributary of the Scheldt, which flows through northern France and Belgium before reaching the North Sea near Antwerp. This watershed is ecologically significant, supporting migratory fish species and wetland habitats. The Scheldt estuary is a critical area for bird populations and aquatic biodiversity, making effective wastewater treatment essential to prevent eutrophication and maintain water quality.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at Chemin de la Rigole, in the Quartier Nord-Ouest of Hénin-Beaumont, Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France, France.
The plant serves approximately 148,000 residents, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated effluent is discharged into the local water system, which flows into the Deûle River and then the Scheldt basin, eventually reaching the North Sea.
As a French plant serving over 10,000 people, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment and potentially tertiary treatment for sensitive areas.
For large agglomerations in France, standard practice includes secondary biological treatment, often with nutrient removal (nitrogen and phosphorus) to meet EU standards, especially if discharging into sensitive watersheds like the Scheldt basin.
Nearby plants