PRESTO – Project on Reduction of the Eutrophication of the Baltic Sea Today
Project PRESTO tackles the eutrophication which is the main environmental problem of the Baltic Sea. Eutrophication is caused by excess load of nutrients – nitrogen and phosphorus – to the sea mainly from land-based sources.
PRESTO improves the state of local and transnational rivers and the Baltic Sea and increases attractiveness of living environment through transnational investments, education and awareness rising. The project aims at a significant positive environmental impact by supporting Belarusian cities in their attempt to reach the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan's Recommendation for the more stringent requirements of nutrient removal from their wastewaters.
In addition to significant technology transfer, PRESTO increases the competence of operating staff of the waste water treatment plants, plant designers and trainers of future wastewater engineers by organizing courses on modern waste water treatment and showing practical examples of reconstruction projects in their different stages. Also, academic cooperation between technical universities in EU and Belarus is facilitated and common course on modern WWT is developed and piloted.
Activities
- Cost efficient and high-impact pilot investments in 3 wastewater treatment plants in Belarus
- Improved technological processes in Latvia and Lithuania
- Development of educational courses on advanced nutrient removal for future specialists at three technical universities in Brest, Minsk and Novopolotsk
- Capacity building through trainings and workshops for operative, administrative and educational experts on modern waste water treatment technologies
- Awareness rising about the harmful effects of nutrient enrichment in watercourses
- Promotion of good practices in nutrient removal and sustainable sludge handling in the Baltic Sea Region
Funding: INTERREG Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007–2013
Budget: EUR 4.5 million
Duration: 2011–2014