Overview
Saint-Jean-de-Luz Archilua wastewater treatment plant serves 60,000 people in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Located near the Atlantic coast, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The Saint-Jean-de-Luz Archilua wastewater treatment plant is a municipal facility located in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. It serves a population of approximately 60,000 people, covering the urban area and surrounding communities. The plant is situated near the Atlantic coast, less than 50 kilometers from the shoreline, placing it in a sensitive coastal environment. As a plant serving a population of 60,000, it falls under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. For coastal discharges, the directive may also mandate more stringent treatment depending on the sensitivity of the receiving waters. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean). The receiving water bodies include the Nivelle River or nearby coastal waters, supporting diverse aquatic life and contributing to the ecological health of the Basque coastal region. The plant plays a key role in protecting the marine environment from nutrient pollution and pathogens.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the coastal watershed of the Bay of Biscay, a productive marine ecosystem supporting fisheries and migratory species. The nearby Nivelle River and adjacent coastal waters are ecologically sensitive, with habitats for seabirds and marine life. Proper treatment is essential to prevent eutrophication and maintain water quality in this Atlantic coastal zone.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France, near the Atlantic coast.
The plant serves approximately 60,000 people, covering the urban area of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and surrounding communities.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which drains into the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean), likely via the Nivelle River or nearby coastal waters.
As a French plant serving over 10,000 people, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment and may require tertiary treatment for sensitive coastal areas.
Under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, plants serving between 10,000 and 150,000 people typically require secondary treatment (biological treatment). For coastal discharges, additional nutrient removal may be needed to protect marine ecosystems.
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