Overview
ST DENIS wastewater treatment plant serves Saint-Denis-d'Oléron in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It is located within 50 km of the coast and serves a population of approximately 21,142.
The ST DENIS wastewater treatment plant is situated in Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, a commune on the Île d'Oléron in the Charente-Maritime department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. The plant serves a population of around 21,142, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under French and EU regulations. As a French plant, ST DENIS operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. The treated effluent from ST DENIS ultimately discharges into the Atlantic Ocean via the Pertuis d'Antioche, a strait between Île d'Oléron and the mainland. This coastal environment supports diverse marine life, including shellfish beds and migratory fish species, making proper treatment essential for protecting water quality and local ecosystems.
Environmental context
The ST DENIS plant discharges into the Pertuis d'Antioche, a coastal strait connecting to the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean. This area is ecologically sensitive, supporting extensive oyster farming, seagrass meadows, and important bird populations. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 50 km) means that treated wastewater must meet stringent standards to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect marine habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The ST DENIS plant is located at La Michelière, Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, in the Charente-Maritime department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It serves the commune of Saint-Denis-d'Oléron on the Île d'Oléron.
The plant serves a population of approximately 21,142, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent discharges into the Pertuis d'Antioche, a coastal strait that connects to the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean.
As a French plant serving over 10,000 people, ST DENIS must comply with the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which mandates secondary treatment for such agglomerations. The plant's coastal location may also require additional nutrient removal to protect sensitive marine areas.
For agglomerations of this size, French regulations require at least secondary treatment (biological treatment). Plants discharging into coastal waters may also need tertiary treatment to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus, especially in sensitive areas like the Pertuis d'Antioche.
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