Overview
STEP DU CIMETIERE is a wastewater treatment plant serving Saint-Leu, La Réunion, France. It serves a population of approximately 18,000 and operates under EU regulations.
STEP DU CIMETIERE is a wastewater treatment plant located in Saint-Leu, on the island of La Réunion, an overseas department of France. The plant serves a population of around 18,000 people, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under EU classification. As a French facility, the plant 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 discharge enters sensitive areas, which is relevant given the island's coastal and coral reef environments. The treated effluent from STEP DU CIMETIERE is discharged into local water bodies that ultimately flow to the Indian Ocean. The plant plays a key role in protecting the island's marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and coastal waters, from nutrient pollution and pathogens.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into streams that drain to the Indian Ocean near Saint-Leu. The coastal waters support coral reefs and diverse marine life, making nutrient and pathogen control critical. The surrounding watershed is ecologically sensitive, with high biodiversity and reliance on clean water for tourism and fishing.
Frequently asked questions
STEP DU CIMETIERE is located in Saint-Leu, on the island of La Réunion, an overseas department of France in the Indian Ocean.
The plant serves approximately 18,000 people, classifying it as a medium agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into local streams that flow to the Indian Ocean near Saint-Leu, impacting coastal marine ecosystems.
As a French plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which requires secondary treatment for agglomerations of this size and may require tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas.
Under the EU directive, plants serving 10,000-150,000 people typically require secondary treatment. In sensitive coastal areas like La Réunion, advanced treatment may be needed to protect coral reefs and marine life.
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