Overview
The Sarreguemines wastewater treatment plant serves 47,500 people in the Grand Est region of France. It discharges into the Sarre River, a tributary of the Moselle and Rhine basins.
The Sarreguemines wastewater treatment plant is located in the city of Sarreguemines, in the Moselle department of the Grand Est region, France. The plant serves a population of 47,500, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under EU classification. As a French plant serving over 15,000 people, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment as a minimum. For agglomerations of this size in sensitive areas, tertiary treatment may be mandated to reduce nutrient loads. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the Sarre River, which flows into the Moselle and then the Rhine, ultimately reaching the North Sea. The Rhine basin supports diverse aquatic life and is a major migratory corridor for fish species.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Sarre River, a tributary of the Moselle River, which joins the Rhine River near Koblenz, Germany. The Rhine flows into the North Sea. The watershed supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and is an important corridor for migratory fish such as salmon and eel. Nutrient management is critical to prevent eutrophication in downstream waters.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Sarreguemines, in the Moselle department of the Grand Est region, France, near the border with Germany.
The plant serves approximately 47,500 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU standards.
Treated effluent is discharged into the Sarre River, which flows into the Moselle and then the Rhine, eventually reaching the North Sea.
As a French plant serving over 15,000 people, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which mandates secondary treatment and may require tertiary treatment in sensitive areas.
For agglomerations of this size, French plants typically provide secondary biological treatment. In sensitive catchments like the Rhine basin, additional nutrient removal (tertiary treatment) is often required.
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