LOUHANS Wastewater Treatment Plant, Louhans, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

The LOUHANS wastewater treatment plant is located in Louhans, within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. It serves a population of about 29,040, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD). The plant is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its operations are part of the municipal infrastructure managed by local authorities. Under the EU UWWTD, agglomerations with a population equivalent (PE) between 10,000 and 150,000 are required to provide secondary treatment (biological treatment) as a minimum. For plants in sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be mandated. The LOUHANS plant operates within this regulatory framework, ensuring that treated effluent meets the required quality standards before discharge. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Saône River, a major tributary of the Rhône River. The Rhône flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The receiving water bodies support diverse aquatic life and are important for regional biodiversity. The plant's operations help protect these ecosystems from nutrient pollution and other contaminants.

The LOUHANS plant discharges into the local water system that feeds the Saône River, a key tributary of the Rhône River. The Rhône flows into the Mediterranean Sea, supporting diverse aquatic habitats along its course. The watershed is ecologically sensitive, providing habitat for fish species and migratory birds. Proper treatment is essential to prevent eutrophication and maintain water quality in downstream rivers and the sea.