Overview
La Roche-sur-Yon's Moulin Grimaud wastewater treatment plant serves 89,000 people in Pays de la Loire, France. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, ensuring compliance with secondary treatment standards for large agglomerat
The ROCHE SUR YON Moulin Grimaud wastewater treatment plant is located in La Roche-sur-Yon, in the Pays de la Loire region of western France. Serving a population of 89,000, it is classified as a large agglomeration under EU regulations, requiring robust treatment infrastructure to protect local water bodies. As a facility serving over 50,000 people, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment as a minimum, with tertiary treatment required if discharging into sensitive areas. The plant's designed capacity of 1. The plant's treated effluent ultimately drains into the Yon River, a tributary of the Lay River, which flows into the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean). This coastal discharge point underscores the importance of effective nutrient removal to prevent eutrophication in marine environments. The plant plays a key role in maintaining water quality in the Vendée region, supporting both ecological health and recreational uses downstream.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Yon River, which flows into the Lay River and then into the Bay of Biscay, part of the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is important for regional fisheries and tourism. Effective treatment is critical to minimize nutrient loading and protect the sensitive marine ecosystem from eutrophication.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in La Roche-sur-Yon, in the Vendée department of the Pays de la Loire region, western France.
The plant serves approximately 89,000 people, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated effluent is discharged into the Yon River, which flows into the Lay River and eventually reaches the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean.
As a plant serving over 50,000 people, it must comply with the EU UWWTD, which requires secondary treatment as a minimum, with tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas.
French plants of this scale typically employ secondary biological treatment (activated sludge or similar) and may include nutrient removal to meet EU standards for sensitive coastal areas.
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