Sanvignes-les-Mines Wastewater Treatment Plant, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

The Sanvignes-les-Mines wastewater treatment plant is located in the commune of Sanvignes-les-Mines, within the Saône-et-Loire department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France. It serves a population of 1,695, classifying it as a small agglomeration under French and EU regulations. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for freshwater discharges from agglomerations of this size. Its designed capacity is 3,150 m³/day, with an average discharge volume of 302.39 m³/day, indicating ample reserve capacity. Treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which drains into the Bourbince River, a tributary of the Loire. The Loire basin supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is an important migratory corridor for fish species such as Atlantic salmon and European eel.

The plant discharges into the Bourbince River, which flows into the Loire River and ultimately reaches the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire basin is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a critical migratory corridor for fish. The region's temperate climate and agricultural landscape require careful nutrient management to prevent eutrophication in downstream waters.