ST GEORGES DE DIDONNE Wastewater Treatment Plant, Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, France

The ST GEORGES DE DIDONNE wastewater treatment plant is located in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, a coastal town in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. The plant serves a population of approximately 32,422 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under European Union regulations. Its proximity to the Atlantic coast places it in a sensitive environmental area where treated effluent must meet stringent standards to protect marine and coastal ecosystems. As a French wastewater facility, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size. For plants in coastal areas, the directive may require more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are considered sensitive. The designed capacity of the plant is noted as 1.00, though the unit is unspecified, indicating the scale of infrastructure needed to serve the local population. The plant's treated effluent likely discharges into the Gironde estuary or directly into the Atlantic Ocean, given the town's location on the Royan peninsula. This area supports diverse marine life and is an important migratory corridor for fish and birds. The regional drainage basin includes the Seudre River and other coastal streams, ultimately feeding into the Bay of Biscay. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient pollution and protect the region's ecological balance.

The plant's receiving waters are part of the Gironde estuary and the Bay of Biscay, a productive marine ecosystem. The area supports diverse aquatic life, including migratory fish species and seabirds. Nutrient loading from wastewater could contribute to eutrophication in coastal waters, making effective treatment critical for maintaining water quality and biodiversity.