Pouzauges Le Moulin Gemot Wastewater Treatment Plant, Pouzauges, France

The Pouzauges Le Moulin Gemot wastewater treatment plant is located in Pouzauges, a commune in the Vendée department of Pays de la Loire, France. The facility serves an estimated population of 10,150, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under French and EU regulations. The plant is situated in the Montifaut business zone, near the Moulin Gémot stream. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), agglomerations with a population equivalent between 2,000 and 10,000 are required to have secondary treatment, while those above 10,000 may require more advanced treatment if discharging into sensitive areas. As a plant serving over 10,000 people, Pouzauges Le Moulin Gemot is subject to these standards, ensuring adequate treatment before discharge. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into local watercourses that eventually drain into the Atlantic Ocean via the Vendée River and the Bay of Biscay. The surrounding region is characterized by agricultural landscapes and small rivers, making proper wastewater treatment essential for protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

The plant discharges into local streams that feed into the Vendée River, which flows into the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic coast. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is important for regional agriculture and tourism. Proper treatment helps prevent nutrient pollution and protects downstream habitats.