Kolgaküla WWTP after renovation

Compact SBR system for a small WWTP in Kolgaküla

Solution to which problem

Kolgaküla is located in the western part of Lahemaa National Park, about five kilometers away from the sea. The pilot object is the separate sewage treatment system for two apartment houses (33 inhabitants in total). The existing wastewater treatment system (BIO-50 and 2 oxidation ponds) constructed at the end of the 1970s was mainly designed for organic matter removal. The wastewater biological treatment solution (BIO-50), is no longer working properly and currently not used. Thus, wastewater is directly discharged into the oxidation ponds (2500 m2) and discharged into Punsu creek. After construction of the new sewage treatment facility, the treated effluent will be also discharged into Puntsu creek. It should be noted, that in Kolgaküla, groundwater is unprotected or weakly protected in most of the local municipality’s territory.

Technical conditions

The wastewater biological treatment solution (BIO-50), is no longer working properly and currently not used. Thus, wastewater is directly discharged into the oxidation ponds (2500 m2) and discharged into Punsu creek.

Implementation

Kuusalu Municipality initiated the renovation of outdated wastewater treatment facilities. Kuusalu Soojus OÜ realized the renovation of pipelines system and the construction/installation of the new WWTP. Tallinn University of Technology helped other partners by providing knowhow in how to design and construct advanced biological wastewater treatment system (sequencing batch reactor (SBR), activated sludge process) in order to efficiently remove the organic load, decrease the load of nutrients into the environment, and bring the general quality of the effluent into compliance with the national regulations. Notably, the pilot area is very wet, with high level of groundwater. Accordingly, the installation works were done in February when the soil was frozen In general, no problems during the installation/renovation.

Result

Kuusalu Municipality initiated the renovation of outdated wastewater treatment facilities. Kuusalu Soojus OÜ realized the renovation of pipelines system and the construction/installation of the new WWTP. Tallinn University of Technology helped other partners by providing knowhow in how to design and construct advanced biological wastewater treatment system (sequencing batch reactor (SBR), activated sludge process) in order to efficiently remove the organic load, decrease the load of nutrients into the environment, and bring the general quality of the effluent into compliance with the national regulations. Construction of new WWTP and renovation of local pipelines was conducted in February 2018 and adjustment of the SBR operation completed in May 2018.

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