Overview
MARTEL 2 is a secondary wastewater treatment plant in Martel, Occitanie, France, serving approximately 1,208 people. It discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, contributing to the protection of the Dordogne River basin.
MARTEL 2 is a municipal wastewater treatment facility located in Martel, a commune in the Lot department of Occitanie, southern France. The plant serves a population of around 1,208, classifying it as a small agglomeration under French and EU regulations. It is situated inland, away from coastal areas, and its operations are part of the regional water management infrastructure. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the minimum standard required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for freshwater discharges from agglomerations of this size. The designed capacity is 2,300 cubic meters per day, and the reported discharge volume is 215.51 cubic meters per day, indicating operational headroom. The facility is subject to French national regulations implementing the directive, with permits issued by the local water agency. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Dordogne River, a major watercourse in southwestern France. The Dordogne flows westward to join the Garonne and form the Gironde estuary, a ecologically significant area supporting diverse aquatic life. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this sensitive river system.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the local catchment that feeds the Dordogne River, a key tributary of the Garonne system. The Dordogne is known for its rich biodiversity, including migratory fish species such as salmon and lamprey. The river flows through the Dordogne Valley, a region of high ecological value, before reaching the Gironde estuary, a major wetland and nursery for marine life. Effective wastewater treatment is essential to protect these downstream ecosystems from nutrient pollution and pathogens.
Frequently asked questions
MARTEL 2 is located in Martel, a commune in the Lot department of Occitanie, southern France. The full address is Chemin du Tivoli, Saint-Esprit, Martel.
The plant serves approximately 1,208 people, classifying it as a small agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which flows into the Dordogne River, a major watercourse in southwestern France.
MARTEL 2 provides secondary treatment, meeting the minimum standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive for freshwater discharges from small agglomerations.
The plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), transposed into French law. Permits are issued by the local water agency, ensuring compliance with discharge standards.
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