SAINT AY Wastewater Treatment Plant, Saint-Ay, Centre-Val de Loire, France

The SAINT AY wastewater treatment plant is located in Saint-Ay, a commune in the Loiret department of Centre-Val de Loire, France. It serves a population of approximately 2,866 residents and has a designed capacity of 3,500 cubic meters per day, with an average discharge volume of 511.29 m³/day. The plant provides advanced treatment, ensuring high-quality effluent before discharge. Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), plants serving agglomerations between 2,000 and 10,000 population equivalent are required to provide secondary treatment. SAINT AY exceeds this requirement with advanced treatment, which includes nutrient removal or other tertiary processes. The plant's discharge volume and capacity indicate it is operating well within its design limits. The treated effluent is discharged into the Loire River, one of France's major waterways, which flows through the Loire Valley and eventually into the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire River supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is an important migratory corridor for fish species such as Atlantic salmon and European eel. The plant's advanced treatment helps protect water quality in this ecologically sensitive river system.

The SAINT AY plant discharges into the Loire River, which flows through the Loire Valley and drains into the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire River is a vital freshwater ecosystem supporting diverse aquatic life, including migratory fish and numerous bird species. The plant's advanced treatment reduces nutrient loads, helping to prevent eutrophication in downstream waters and maintain the ecological balance of the river.