Macouria Bourg Wastewater Treatment Plant, Macouria, French Guiana

Macouria Bourg is a wastewater treatment plant located in the commune of Macouria, in the Guyane region of French Guiana, an overseas department of France. The plant serves a population of about 1,695 residents and is situated near the Atlantic coast, reflecting the coastal nature of this small agglomeration. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for discharges into coastal waters. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The plant has a designed capacity of 4,300 m³/day, with a reported discharge volume of 302.39 m³/day, indicating it operates well below its capacity. The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, likely into a river or directly into the Atlantic Ocean, given the plant's proximity to the coast. The surrounding watershed includes the coastal plains of French Guiana, which are ecologically sensitive areas supporting mangroves and diverse aquatic life. The plant's operation is subject to French regulations implementing EU directives, ensuring environmental protection for the downstream marine ecosystem.

The plant discharges into the coastal waters of French Guiana, part of the Atlantic Ocean basin. The local watershed includes small rivers and creeks that drain into the Atlantic, supporting mangrove forests and estuarine habitats. These ecosystems are important for fish spawning and migratory bird species. The proximity to the coast means that treated effluent can influence nearshore water quality, making effective treatment crucial for preserving marine biodiversity.