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Case
Wastewater treatment
Non-revenue water
Wastewater management
From eight to one innovative, centralized wastewater treatment plant
5. August 2024
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Photo credit: COWI
Challenge
The existing wastewater treatment plant in Assens Municipality were worn out and needed an update to be able to ensure a sustained high level of service and to be able to meet future requirements. In addition, a structural analysis showed that it would be both economically and environmentally optimal to centralize wastewater treatment at a new central treatment plant. A significant part of the wastewater to the municipal WWTP consist of industrial wastewater with a high content of easily degradable organic matter which allows for optimal wastewater treatment with high energy production.
The space conditions at the existing wastewater treatment plant in Assens do not allow for the plant to be expanded. Assens City Council has therefore decided to build a new, unified facility with improved capacity and state-of-the-art technology.
Solution
By centralizing the wastewater treatment plant structure in the form of a new WWTP at Assens, emphasis is placed on the following advantages:
- An improved aquatic environment. Outdated WWTPs will be closed down and existing discharges to sensitive recipients will be removed.
- Better security of supply.
- Settlement and business promotion. Flexibility for urban and commercial development.
- Operational optimization. Significant reduction in operating costs.
- Increased future-proofing. Prepared for future requirements.
- Climate and energy optimization. CO2-neutral operation by 2029.
Result
Assens New WWTP is located in a new utility park and replaces eight smaller wastewater treatment plants in the municipality. With the desired centralization, a new and future-proof plant with a capacity of 100,000 P.E. (person equivalents) will be established, with the possibility of increasing capacity by a further 50,000 P.E.
With implementation of new innovative technology, it is possible to operate the plant as an energy-producing plant. In connection with the treatment plant, a biogas plant will be established that allows optimal utilization of the industrial wastewater and sludge for energy production and reduces the amount of sludge.
