Overview
Saint-Malo wastewater treatment plant serves 106,000 people in Brittany, France. It operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this scale.
The Saint-Malo wastewater treatment plant is located in the coastal city of Saint-Malo, in the Brittany region of northwestern France. It serves a population of approximately 106,000, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated near the English Channel, within 50 km of the coast, and plays a key role in protecting the local marine environment. As a facility serving over 100,000 people, the plant is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary biological treatment as a minimum. For sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be mandated to reduce nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per day or similar unit), indicating a substantial infrastructure investment. The treated effluent is discharged into the Rance River estuary or directly into the English Channel, depending on the outfall location. The receiving waters are ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse marine life and serving as a migratory corridor for fish species. The plant's operation is critical to maintaining water quality in the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel and the broader coastal ecosystem.
Environmental context
The Saint-Malo plant discharges into the Rance River estuary, which flows into the English Channel near the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel. This coastal area is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse marine life, including fish, shellfish, and migratory birds. The estuary and bay are important for fishing and tourism, making nutrient and pathogen removal essential to prevent eutrophication and protect public health.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at Rue des Ablettes, La Croix Chemin, Paramé, in Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany, France.
The plant serves approximately 106,000 people, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated effluent is discharged into the Rance River estuary or directly into the English Channel, depending on the outfall location.
The plant protects the Rance River and its estuary, which flows into the English Channel near the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel.
As a facility serving over 100,000 people, it must comply with the EU UWWTD, which requires secondary treatment and potentially tertiary treatment in sensitive coastal areas.
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