Renovation of the association sewage treatment plant: Investments for a sustainable future

Renovation of the association sewage treatment plant: Investments for a sustainable future

The association sewage treatment plant in Sulzbachtal needs to be renovated. This was announced at an inter-municipal meeting. Councilors and citizens of the communities of Nittenau, Bruck and Bodenwöhr were informed about the necessary measures.

Renovation needs and investments

The three municipalities put the association sewage treatment plant into operation in 1977. In order to ensure operational viability in the future, an update of the water law permit is necessary. This requires the renovation, renewal or expansion of certain parts of the system. The expected investment volume is 2.7 million euros for the relocation of the main collector in Bodenwöhr and 6.9 million euros for the renovation of the sewage treatment plant.

At the end of October, the members of the Nittenau city council, the Bruck market council and the Bodenwöhr municipal council as well as interested citizens were informed about the plans and financing options. Representatives from Kehrer Planning GmbH and BBI Ingenieure GmbH were also present and presented the measures.

Progress in the project

Daniel Kreidl reported on the progress of the project to relocate the canal at Hammersee. This measure is necessary to prevent discharges into the water during heavy rain events. The aim is to optimize the canal routing in the Hammersee area. Important milestones such as the creation of the draft planning and the preparation of the approval documents have already been reached. Two pumping stations will also be built and are currently being planned in detail. “This project represents an important step towards ensuring a sustainable and efficient wastewater infrastructure in the region,” said the chairman of the committee, First Mayor Benjamin Boml. The tender for the construction work is scheduled to be completed at the beginning of 2025, and construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2025.

Renovation of the sewage treatment plant

Kai Christensen from BBI Ingenieure presented the results of the concept study for the renovation and expansion of the sewage treatment plant. In view of the imminent expiry of the water law notice on December 31, 2024, comprehensive modernization is necessary. The wastewater treatment plant currently processes 43,000 population equivalents and is to be renovated in several construction phases. The focus is on improving hydraulic capacity and replacing outdated system parts. The expected total costs are around 7 million euros. The construction process will extend over several years, with the aim of completing the measures by 2028.

Nittenau covers 50.4 percent of the total costs, which corresponds to around 3.47 million euros. Bruck and Bodenwöhr share the remaining 49.6 percent. Possible funding cannot yet be named. The investment costs are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 40 years, which results in an even burden on households. An increase in wastewater fees may be necessary to cover operating costs. An improvement contribution from property owners will also be considered.

In the coming weeks, the three municipalities will discuss how to finance the costs. The decision should be made in an economically sustainable and socially just manner.