Overview
SALEILLES2 is a secondary wastewater treatment plant in Saleilles, Occitanie, France, serving approximately 5,224 people. It discharges treated water near the Mediterranean coast, operating under EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive standards.
SALEILLES2 is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Saleilles, a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of Occitanie, southern France. The plant serves a population of around 5,224, placing it in the small-to-medium agglomeration category under EU classification. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the minimum standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for freshwater discharges from agglomerations of this size. The designed capacity is 9,700 cubic meters per day, and the current discharge volume is approximately 932 cubic meters per day, indicating operational headroom. Treated effluent from SALEILLES2 is discharged into the local hydrological network, which ultimately drains into the Mediterranean Sea near the Gulf of Lion. This coastal region supports diverse marine life and is ecologically sensitive, making effective wastewater treatment critical for protecting water quality and coastal ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into a watershed that flows into the Mediterranean Sea via the Gulf of Lion, a region known for its rich marine biodiversity and important fisheries. The proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means that treated effluent can quickly reach marine environments, where nutrients and pollutants may impact seagrass beds and coastal habitats. Effective secondary treatment helps reduce organic load and suspended solids, supporting the ecological health of the receiving waters.
Frequently asked questions
SALEILLES2 is located in Saleilles, a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of Occitanie, southern France, near the Mediterranean coast.
The plant serves approximately 5,224 people, classifying it as a small-to-medium agglomeration under EU wastewater treatment standards.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local watershed, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea near the Gulf of Lion.
SALEILLES2 provides secondary treatment, which is the standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive for agglomerations of this size discharging into freshwater or coastal areas.
As a French plant, SALEILLES2 operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations between 2,000 and 10,000 population equivalent in sensitive areas.
Nearby plants