LORIENT Kerolay Wastewater Treatment Plant, Lorient, Brittany, France

LORIENT Kerolay is a wastewater treatment plant located in Lorient, Brittany, France, serving a population of approximately 95,877. The plant is situated in the Keroman district, near the coast of the Bay of Biscay. As a large agglomeration under EU classification, it is subject to stringent regulatory requirements. The plant's designed capacity is 1. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), agglomerations with a population equivalent over 15,000 are required to provide secondary treatment, and those in sensitive areas must achieve tertiary treatment. Given Lorient's coastal location, the plant likely incorporates advanced treatment to protect marine water quality. The treated effluent is discharged into the coastal waters of the Bay of Biscay, which supports diverse marine ecosystems including fisheries and migratory species. The plant plays a critical role in maintaining water quality in the region, particularly for recreational and ecological uses along the Brittany coast.

The plant discharges into the Bay of Biscay, part of the North Atlantic Ocean, which receives drainage from the Blavet River and other local waterways. The coastal environment supports diverse marine life, including commercially important fish stocks and seabird populations. The area is ecologically sensitive due to its role as a nursery ground for fish and a stopover for migratory birds. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect the region's water quality.