The Aqualyon – La Feyssine Wastewater Treatment Plant

A high eco-performance water treatment plant

Aqualyon is the wastewater treatment plant built by the Greater Lyon Urban Community. It is the result of close cooperation between the technical departments of the Greater Lyon water division, the Cabinet Merlin and Bérim project management firms, the Socotec and SODAE technical inspection consultancy firms, the A.COORD health and safety coordinator, the Frapna and the Degrémont / GFC Construction / Lyonnaise des eaux / PATRIACHE & CO grouping. It is also the fruit of a strong partnership with the Rhone-Mediterranean and Corsica Water Agency, which has provided significant financial support.

La Feyssine is an additional treatment plant to join the ranks of those already in existence in the Greater Lyon area. It treats wastewater from the Villeurbanne, Vaulx-en-Velin, Décines-Charpieu, Bron, Chassieu, Saint-Priest, Genas, Saint-Laurent-de-Mure and Saint-Bonnet-de-Mure municipalities.

Its objectives:

• Zero pollution

Those water and sludge treatment facilities likely to produce odours have been sealed and covered. Noisy machinery has been housed in sound-proof buildings.

• Protect biodiversity

Particular attention has been paid to the preservation of flora and fauna: introduction of local species of flora onto the site, plantation of grasses to encourage diversified pollination, etc.

• Fit into the landscape

The plant is designed as a model of integration into the landscape: soft, harmonious architecture; natural materials (wood and pebbles); extensive greenery, etc.

Aqualyon in key figures:

• Surface area of the site: 40,000 m².
• The plant’s treatment capacity is 300,000 equivalent inhabitants.
• The plant treats 91,000 m³ of wastewater per day.
• The peak flow speed in dry weather is 63,000 m³ per day.
• The average speed is 66,000 m³ per day.
• The flow speed in wet weather is 144,000 m³ per day.
• The plant generates a carbon saving of 1,400 tonnes of CO² per year, thanks to the recycling of sludge as fuel.
• Cost: € 75,000,000 (excl. VAT).