SENSATION in Karsdorf: Millions invested in the future of the sewage treatment plant!

SENSATION in Karsdorf: Millions invested in the future of the sewage treatment plant!

In an absolutely overwhelming development for the environment and water supply, the Saale-Unstrut-Finne Water and Wastewater Association (WAV) today announced the sensational modernization of the Karsdorf sewage treatment plant! This measure is not only a complete renovation, but also a step into a new era of energy transition and ecological awareness! City and factory reports that the immense funding of 9.3 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is clear evidence that the EU is taking the matter seriously. But that's not all! The total renovation costs shoot up to an alarming 22.5 million euros!

The ambitious goal of this modernization: FULL energy self-sufficiency and strict compliance with the new EU requirements for municipal sewage treatment plants. The Environment Minister, Professor Armin Willingmann, also personally presented the funding decision - a gesture that can hardly be surpassed!

Revolutionary technologies and massive change!

The key to this impressive project lies in the conversion from traditional aerobic wastewater treatment to revolutionary anaerobic sewage sludge stabilization. No less than two new digestion towers are put into operation with the aim of producing sewage gas, which is collected in new gas storage facilities and converted into clean electricity and heat in a combined heat and power plant! An outstanding concept to curb the shock of environmental pollution!

The sewage treatment plant is currently aiming for an unheard of 37 percent of its electricity needs to come from its own generation. That should cause incredulous faces in the industry! But that's just the beginning: A newly installed open-air photovoltaic system with a breathtaking 1,700 modules and an output of 950 kilowatts peak catapults the self-sufficiency share to a phenomenal 83 percent! Can it get any better?

EU requirements are coming!

Modernization is not only a question of progress, but also a response to the shocking requirements of the EU Municipal Wastewater Directive (KARL). This was passed with an overwhelming majority in the European Parliament in April 2024. WaterThreeZero reveals that the main aim of this directive is to eliminate microplastics and micropollutants from wastewater! The sewage treatment plants now undoubtedly have to face comprehensive, new challenges!

With the agreement that wastewater treatment plants with over 150,000 inhabitants must receive a fourth treatment level by 2045, the bar is set extremely high. Wastewater treatment plants that serve over 10,000 residents must take special action after a strict risk assessment. The deviations from previous purification levels are alarming, because many treated wastewaters still contain harmful pollutants!

A call for change!

The importance of resource-saving water management is emphasized to the utmost. Manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are now obliged to cover 80 percent of the costs for the new fourth stage of purification! The destruction of microplastics and the improvement of water quality are just some of the increasing demands of consumers!

This massive modernization project in Karsdorf is not just a technical masterpiece, but a milestone for the entire region. Association managing director Michael List emphasizes the long-term benefits for citizens and companies in the western Burgenland district. Will we live in a cleaner and more sustainable future thanks to these measures? Time will tell!