Overview
SAINT NAZAIRE Ouest wastewater treatment plant serves 130,500 people in Saint-Nazaire, Pays de la Loire, France. It is located within 50 km of the coast and operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
SAINT NAZAIRE Ouest is a wastewater treatment plant serving the city of Saint-Nazaire in the Pays de la Loire region of France. The plant handles wastewater from a population of approximately 130,500, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations. Its location near the Atlantic coast places it in a sensitive coastal environment. As a French plant serving over 100,000 people, SAINT NAZAIRE Ouest is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires advanced treatment (tertiary or equivalent) for discharges into sensitive areas, including coastal zones. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in cubic meters per day or similar unit), indicating a substantial infrastructure to manage the region's wastewater. The treated effluent from SAINT NAZAIRE Ouest is discharged into the Loire estuary, which flows into the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean). This estuary is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a migratory corridor for fish species. The plant's operation is critical for protecting the coastal water quality and marine ecosystems of the region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Loire estuary, which connects to the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean. This estuary is a dynamic and ecologically sensitive environment, supporting diverse fish populations and migratory birds. The coastal waters are subject to nutrient enrichment risks, making effective wastewater treatment essential for maintaining water quality and preventing eutrophication.
Frequently asked questions
SAINT NAZAIRE Ouest is located in Saint-Nazaire, in the Pays de la Loire region of France, near the Loire estuary.
The plant serves approximately 130,500 people, classifying it as a large agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Loire estuary, which flows into the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean.
As a French plant serving over 100,000 people, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates advanced treatment for discharges into sensitive coastal areas.
For large agglomerations in coastal sensitive areas, the EU UWWTD requires tertiary treatment or equivalent to reduce nutrients and protect marine environments.
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