Overview
Schirmeck wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 15,000 people in the Grand Est region of France. It discharges into the local watershed, ultimately draining to the Rhine River basin.
The Schirmeck wastewater treatment plant is located in the commune of Schirmeck, in the Bas-Rhin department of the Grand Est region, northeastern France. The facility serves a population of around 15,000, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under French and EU regulations. As a French treatment plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. Compliance with national standards is expected. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local watercourse, likely the Bruche River, which flows into the Ill River and then the Rhine. The Rhine basin is a major European waterway supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and providing drinking water for millions. The plant plays a key role in protecting water quality in this transboundary river system.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Bruche River, a tributary of the Ill River, which joins the Rhine River near Strasbourg. The Rhine is one of Europe's most important rivers, supporting rich biodiversity and serving as a critical water resource. The watershed includes sensitive habitats for fish species such as salmon and eel, and the plant's operations help maintain water quality standards in this ecologically significant basin.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Schirmeck, in the Bas-Rhin department of the Grand Est region, northeastern France.
The plant serves approximately 15,000 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
Treated effluent is discharged into the local watercourse, likely the Bruche River, which flows into the Ill River and then the Rhine River.
As a French plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 2,000 population equivalent.
Under the EU directive, plants serving 10,000-100,000 population equivalent typically require secondary treatment, with possible tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas.
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