Saint Pierre de Gaubert Wastewater Treatment Plant, Sauveterre-Saint-Denis, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Saint Pierre de Gaubert is a wastewater treatment plant located in Sauveterre-Saint-Denis, within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. The plant serves a population equivalent of 15,000, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under EU regulations. Its location near the Garonne River basin underscores its role in protecting regional water quality. As a French facility serving over 10,000 people, Saint Pierre de Gaubert is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment as a minimum standard. For agglomerations of this size, the directive also mandates appropriate treatment before discharge into sensitive areas, which may include nutrient removal if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive. The plant's operational details, including specific treatment processes and capacity, are managed by the local authority. The treated effluent from Saint Pierre de Gaubert ultimately discharges into the Garonne River, which flows into the Gironde estuary and then the Atlantic Ocean. This water body supports diverse aquatic life and is important for regional biodiversity. The plant's operation helps maintain water quality standards in the Garonne basin, contributing to the ecological health of downstream environments.

Saint Pierre de Gaubert discharges into the Garonne River, a major watercourse in southwestern France that flows into the Gironde estuary and then the Atlantic Ocean. The Garonne basin supports diverse aquatic ecosystems, including migratory fish species such as salmon and eels. The plant's treatment performance is critical for maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive river system, which also serves as a drinking water source and supports agriculture and recreation.