SAINT NAZAIRE Est Wastewater Treatment Plant, Montoir-de-Bretagne, France

SAINT NAZAIRE Est is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Montoir-de-Bretagne, near Saint-Nazaire in the Pays de la Loire region of France. The plant serves a population of approximately 61,883, placing it in the medium-to-large agglomeration category under EU classification. Its designed capacity is 1.00, reflecting its role in managing regional wastewater. As a French facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the discharge enters sensitive areas. Compliance with national and EU regulations ensures appropriate treatment standards. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Loire estuary and the Bay of Biscay. This coastal environment supports diverse marine life and is an important ecological zone. The plant's operations contribute to protecting water quality in the estuary and downstream coastal waters.

The treated effluent from SAINT NAZAIRE Est flows into the Loire estuary, a major river system that empties into the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic coast. This estuarine and coastal environment supports a rich diversity of fish, birds, and marine species, and is an important area for migratory species. The plant's discharge management is critical to maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive region.