Overview
TARNOS 2 is a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Boucau, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, serving approximately 15,300 people. It is located near the coast and operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
TARNOS 2 is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Boucau, within the Bayonne urban area in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. The plant serves a population equivalent of approximately 15,300, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under EU regulations. As a French plant, TARNOS 2 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 stringent treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. The plant's designed capacity is 1.00 (likely in thousands of cubic meters per day or similar unit), indicating its scale. The treated effluent from TARNOS 2 is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Bay of Biscay via the Adour River estuary. The Adour River supports diverse aquatic life and is an important ecological corridor in the region. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 50 km) means its discharge can influence coastal water quality, particularly in the Bayonne coastal area.
Environmental context
TARNOS 2 discharges into the Adour River basin, which flows into the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean). The Adour estuary is a dynamic environment supporting migratory fish species such as salmon and eel, and its coastal waters are used for recreation and fisheries. The plant's location within 50 km of the coast means its nutrient and pollutant loads can affect marine water quality, especially during low river flows. The region's climate, with Atlantic influences, leads to variable river flows that can concentrate or dilute effluent impacts.
Frequently asked questions
TARNOS 2 is located at 495, Quai du Bazé, in Boucau, within the Bayonne urban area, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
The plant serves approximately 15,300 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU wastewater treatment regulations.
Treated wastewater from TARNOS 2 is discharged into the local watershed, which flows into the Adour River and ultimately into the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean).
As a French plant, TARNOS 2 operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 2,000 population equivalent. France implements this through national legislation and local permits.
For agglomerations of this size, the EU UWWTD requires secondary treatment (biological treatment). In sensitive areas, tertiary treatment for nutrient removal may be required. French plants often use activated sludge or similar processes.
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