Overview
SAULTAIN wastewater treatment plant serves Saultain, Hauts-de-France, France. It treats wastewater for approximately 8,216 people as part of the region's municipal infrastructure.
SAULTAIN is a wastewater treatment plant located in Saultain, a commune in the Nord department of Hauts-de-France, France. The plant serves a population of approximately 8,216 residents, contributing to the sanitation network of the Valenciennes metropolitan area. It operates under French national regulations transposing the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). As a plant serving a small agglomeration (under 10,000 population equivalent), it is subject to EU requirements for appropriate treatment. French regulations mandate secondary treatment for such facilities, with tertiary treatment required if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The plant's treatment process and capacity details are not publicly available, but it is expected to meet the standards set by the local water agency (Agence de l'Eau Artois-Picardie). The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Scheldt River basin. The Scheldt flows through northern France and Belgium before reaching the North Sea. This waterway supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor in the region. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in this transboundary river system.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Scheldt River basin, which flows through the Hauts-de-France region and into Belgium, eventually reaching the North Sea. The Scheldt estuary is a vital ecological zone supporting migratory fish and bird species. The plant's operations help maintain water quality in this sensitive river system, which is subject to international cooperation under the International Scheldt Commission.
Frequently asked questions
SAULTAIN is located in Saultain, a commune in the Nord department of Hauts-de-France, France, near Valenciennes.
The plant serves approximately 8,216 people, making it a small agglomeration under EU classification.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which drains into the Scheldt River basin and eventually reaches the North Sea.
As a plant serving under 10,000 population equivalent, SAULTAIN is subject to EU Directive 91/271/EEC requiring appropriate treatment. French regulations mandate secondary treatment for such facilities, with possible tertiary treatment if the receiving waters are sensitive.
For small agglomerations in France, secondary treatment is standard, often involving biological processes. If the discharge is into a sensitive area, additional nutrient removal may be required under the EU directive.
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