Suez and Basque Country Agglomeration investigated for ocean wastewater discharges

The Communauté d'agglomération du Pays basque and the water utility company Suez Eau France have been placed under formal investigation for the illicit discharge of untreated wastewater into the ocean. The investigation, led by the Bayonne prosecutor's office, follows complaints filed five years ago by environmental associations including Sepanso and CADE, as well as the Comité interdépartamental des pêches maritimes.

Authorities are investigating charges including the discharge of harmful substances into surface, underground, or marine waters, the abandonment of waste, and the discharge of substances that limit the use of bathing areas. The investigation targets sanitation systems in several coastal towns, including Biarritz, Bidart, Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Urrugne, and Hendaye.

Data revealed indicates that between 2019 and 2021, 112 out of 157 beach closure episodes were caused by wastewater discharges. Legal representatives for the plaintiffs estimate that the volume of untreated wastewater released during that period is equivalent to approximately 369 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Critics argue that local sanitation infrastructure is undersized or obsolete, failing to cope with rapid urbanization and high tourist influx.