Overview
Saint-Germain-sur-Ay Nouvelle is a secondary treatment plant in Normandy, France, serving 2,930 people. It discharges 522.71 m³/day of treated wastewater near the coast of the English Channel.
The Saint-Germain-sur-Ay Nouvelle wastewater treatment plant is located in the commune of Saint-Germain-sur-Ay, within the Manche department of Normandy, France. This facility serves a population of approximately 2,930 residents and operates with a designed capacity of 4,000 m³ per day, currently discharging 522.71 m³ of treated effluent daily. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. Secondary treatment typically involves biological oxidation and sedimentation to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The plant's capacity utilization suggests it has room for future growth or seasonal variations. The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, likely via a small coastal stream or directly into the English Channel, given the plant's proximity to the coast. The receiving waters support diverse marine life and are part of the broader Normandy coastal ecosystem, which includes important fisheries and migratory bird habitats. The plant plays a key role in protecting the coastal water quality and the ecological health of the nearby marine environment.
Environmental context
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the coastal waters of the English Channel near Saint-Germain-sur-Ay. This area is part of the Normandy coastline, which features sandy beaches and rocky shores that support a variety of marine species, including shellfish and migratory fish. The effluent enters a dynamic tidal environment, where dilution and dispersion help minimize local impacts. The broader watershed drains from the Cotentin Peninsula into the Channel, an important waterway for shipping and marine biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at 25 Rue des Fossés à Lin, in Saint-Germain-sur-Ay, Manche, Normandy, France. It serves the local community of about 2,930 residents.
The plant has a designed capacity of 4,000 m³ per day and currently treats an average of 522.71 m³ of wastewater daily, indicating it operates well below its maximum capacity.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local coastal environment, likely into a small watercourse or directly into the English Channel, given its proximity to the coast.
As a French wastewater treatment plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. National regulations from the French Ministry of Ecology also apply.
For agglomerations between 2,000 and 10,000 population equivalent, the EU directive mandates secondary treatment. This typically involves biological processes like activated sludge or biofiltration to reduce organic pollutants.
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