MAYENNE Wastewater Treatment Plant, Mayenne, Pays de la Loire, France

The MAYENNE wastewater treatment plant is located in Mayenne, a commune in the Pays de la Loire region of northwestern France. The facility serves a population of approximately 26,266, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under EU regulations. The plant is situated along the Mayenne River, which flows through the historic town center. As a French wastewater facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The directive also mandates more stringent treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The plant's compliance with national and EU regulations ensures a standard level of treatment appropriate for its population equivalent. The treated effluent is discharged into the Mayenne River, a tributary of the Maine River, which flows into the Loire River and eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean. The plant plays a key role in protecting the water quality of the Mayenne River, which supports diverse aquatic life and is used for recreational activities. Its operation contributes to the ecological health of the Loire basin, one of France's major river systems.

The plant discharges into the Mayenne River, a tributary of the Maine River, which joins the Loire River before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire basin is ecologically significant, supporting diverse fish species and migratory birds. The plant's treatment helps maintain water quality in this sensitive riverine environment, which is subject to EU water quality standards.