Overview
CAYENNE Leblond wastewater treatment plant serves 20,500 people in Cayenne, French Guiana. Located near the coast, it discharges into the local watershed.
CAYENNE Leblond is a wastewater treatment plant located in Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, an overseas department of France. The plant serves a population of approximately 20,500 residents, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under French and EU regulations. 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 plant's proximity to the coast (within 50 km) suggests potential sensitivity to nutrient discharge. The treated effluent likely enters the Cayenne River or a nearby watercourse, eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding watershed supports diverse aquatic life and is part of the Amazonian coastal ecosystem, which is ecologically sensitive due to its high biodiversity and mangrove habitats.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge flows into the Cayenne River system, which drains into the Atlantic Ocean along the French Guiana coast. This region features extensive mangrove forests and estuarine habitats that serve as critical nursery grounds for fish and crustaceans. The coastal waters are influenced by the Amazon River plume, creating a nutrient-rich environment that supports high marine biodiversity. Protecting water quality in this watershed is essential for maintaining the ecological balance of these sensitive coastal ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
CAYENNE Leblond is located in Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, at Rue de la Rivière de Cayenne.
The plant serves approximately 20,500 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under EU regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Cayenne River system, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean near the coast of French Guiana.
As a French overseas department, the plant operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which mandates secondary treatment for agglomerations over 2,000 population equivalent.
Under the EU UWWTD, plants serving 10,000-150,000 population equivalent in sensitive areas require tertiary treatment, while others need secondary treatment. Given the coastal location, advanced treatment may be necessary to protect marine ecosystems.
Nearby plants