TIGNES LES BREVIERES Wastewater Treatment Plant, Tignes, France

TIGNES LES BREVIERES is a wastewater treatment plant located in Les Brévières, a hamlet within the commune of Tignes in the Savoie department of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. Situated in the French Alps at an elevation of around 1,550 meters, the plant serves a population of approximately 2,953, primarily supporting the Tignes ski resort and its seasonal population fluctuations. The plant operates with secondary treatment, which is the standard level required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. The designed capacity is 4,100 cubic meters per day, with an average daily discharge volume of about 527 cubic meters, indicating ample capacity for peak tourist seasons. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Isère River via the Torrent de la Sassière and the Lac du Chevril. The Isère River flows through the Tarentaise Valley and joins the Rhône River near Valence, eventually reaching the Mediterranean Sea. The plant plays a crucial role in protecting the sensitive alpine aquatic environment, including the downstream Lac du Chevril, a hydroelectric reservoir that supports recreational activities and local ecosystems.

The plant discharges into the Torrent de la Sassière, which flows into Lac du Chevril, a hydroelectric reservoir on the Isère River. The Isère is a major tributary of the Rhône, which drains into the Mediterranean Sea. The alpine watershed is ecologically sensitive, supporting diverse aquatic life including brown trout and other cold-water species. The region's steep terrain and seasonal snowmelt create variable flow conditions, making consistent treatment essential to prevent nutrient loading and maintain water quality in downstream water bodies.