Five demo sites (including 2 new pilots) for source-separating wastewater systems in new urban areas are further investigated in the ANCHOR project. But what are the drivers to opt for such a source-separating wastewater system in these urban areas? What convinces decision-makers to take the leap? The very first ANCHOR lunch talk on February 5 discussed these vital questions for three of the city districts in the project.
- Superlocal (Amsterdam, NL) represented by Diederik van Duuren
- H+ (Helsingborg, SE) represented by Hamse Kjerstadius
- Jenfelder Au (Hamburg, DE) represented by Gregor Rudolph-Schöpping
Re-watch the ANCHOR lunch talk about drivers for source-separating waste water systems here, and consult the slides here.
Decentralisation: how water innovation meets higher sustainability goals for city development
Decentralisation, either by purpose or as a consequence, was brought up as a driver. In the Superlocal case the utility wanted to gain experience with decentralised systems in order to better understand risks and opportunities, and get more grip on this trend. In Hamburg, the Jenfelder Au city district offered a possibility for the water utility to work with innovative technology on a smaller scale. In Helsingborg decentralisation was not a driver, but the scale was suited to test innovative technologies in order to develop knowledge. It was noted that the scale size cannot be too small, since this wouldn’t allow for proper testing.
It is a driver for H+ to produce high-quality fertilizers. The EU legislation on fertilizers is open for the products produced in H+, which helps with the market, as does certification. However, the monetary value of the nutrients produced will not cover the extra costs of producing them. However, there is also value in the increased environmental protection that these systems offer.
Sustainability goals and circular economy thinking have encouraged the local municipality to support the development of Superlocal, and opened up the possibility for the water utility to test innovative technologies.
Initial drivers and shift of drivers over time
Jenfelder Au was not initially motivated by sustainability; the project started in 2005 already. High energy prices and technology leadership were initial drivers and Jenfelder Au to become the first larger scale source-separating wastewater system within the EU.
In H+ new drivers emerged with time. The initial main drivers were the increase of biogas production and nutrient recovery. They still are important drivers because of the Swedish initiative on climate neutrality for the water and wastewater sector. Source-separating wastewater systems and local greywater treatment are considered to avoid the costsand nuisance of reconstructing the WWTP before the end of its lifetime to accomodate a new development east of the city. Another driver is the control over micropollutants, which is larger in a source-separating wastewater system.
For Superlocal the external funding has been shaping the development of the city district. The EU LIFE funding brought climate adaptation into Superlocal, which subsequently was designed differently than originally planned.
Drivers to get decision-makers interested in source-separating wastewater systems
Local drivers and potential benefits will differ, but the most important question is how to link with local challenges, planned projects (sewer investments) and environmental goals. Timing is equally important, for instance to find openings to introduce source-separation systems through policy. However, it is crucial that the municipality and its developers are open to taking a new approach.
Engaging the right people has proved of utter importance. For example, in the Hamburg case the CEO of Hamburg Wasser was really enthusiastic about Jenfelder Au. If politicians can get behind a project and go to election on the topic, it helps too. Similarly, media coverage about sustainable benefits adds to the acceptance and enthusiasm for a source-separating wastewater system.
Drivers to get your own organisation on board
From H+’s side, the wish to test technology to prepare for a future with more stringent effluent standards and climate change was mentioned. It also seems, with the upcoming EU wastewater directive, that source-separating wastewater systems fit well with this more stringent legislation.
It was also stated that these innovative projects attract young professionals. Most interns want to work on Superlocal and less on standard projects, is the Dutch experience. Innovative projects with high sustainability levels attract young people, which can be a driver for management, since the workforce is ageing.
It is really important to have the operations and maintenance (O&M) on board with these new systems. One should not underestimate the obstacles in trying out new systems; extra tasks put on the organisation while also having to solve the everyday provision of services. People have to get the time to get acquainted with the new systems. With O&M, it is important to understand that whichever new element is introduced, there will be problems. This is not unique to source-separating wastewater systems. The main concern from the O&M department in H+ was the vacuum system. However, there have been less issues than anticipated, making for a positive assessment of O&M about the vacuum system!
The ANCHOR partnership is hopeful that more cases of source-separating wastewater systems will arise, since we are noticing a growing interest. It is a large motivator for ANCHOR to spread awareness and generate interest. Most interest is in recovering water and reducing water use through vacuum systems.
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For any questions about this article you can reach out to the author, Elisabeth Kvarnström (Ecoloop, working with Stockholm Stad, SE).