The project team had to overcome significant challenges caused by high groundwater levels, which hindered installation of the treatment tanks. To manage this, engineers built a temporary well so that water could be continually pumped out and levels kept down throughout construction.
The installed treatment plant – WPL’s Hybrid-SAF biological system – comprises units designed to control chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) suspended solids, and ammonia. A remote monitoring system was also installed. The high environmental standards required included 30mg/l BOD, 110mg/l COD, 40mg/l suspended solids and 20mg/l ammonia.
To protect the below-ground units from excess groundwater the excavation was fully backfilled with water-resistant concrete. A small biological pond was also constructed by a municipality-sourced supplier to provide tertiary treatment and extra capacity was built into the system to cater for population growth.
The scheme was financed by the EU Cohesion Fund, which aims to promote sustainable development, and the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic.
The mayor of Klimkovice, Jaroslav Varga, said: “The area’s fishing ponds are used for fish farming as well as leisure, so it was important to protect them. Installation of the project was executed without any problems and WPL worked with us very proactively. We’re happy they will assist us in the first few months of operation.”
Lindovsky said: “The mayor considered this to be a very successful project because it was on time and within budget and they wanted to celebrate completion with drinks and a speech. As wastewater treatment specialists it is very satisfying to see the pride taken in the new system and the level of appreciation for the environmental benefits it will bring.”
The site will be managed by the municipality with WPL providing supervision and support.
