BOLZANO. The expansion of the sludge treatment line at the Bolzano purifier was inaugurated this morning (21 November). The overall investment of the work amounts to approximately 5.7 million euros, 90% financed by the Province.
“The Bolzano purifier is one of the 22 purifiers that eco center manages on behalf of the municipalities and communities of the Optimal Territorial Area 2 and which includes 58 municipalities in Alto Adige”, declared the President of Eco center Paolo Berlanda. “eco center works to maintain high environmental standards and with constant attention to sustainability. Various adaptation interventions have been carried out in the various plants managed”, added Berlanda.
The provincial environmental councillor Peter Brunner complimented eco center for the excellent work done, work which guarantees a high quality of service. He underlined the strong commitment of the Province of Bolzano to continuously improve the environmental systems of our territory and to protect citizens.
The Bolzano purifier is the largest water treatment plant in the Province of Bolzano: every year it purifies over 14 million cubic meters of waste water civilians from the municipality of Bolzano and 12 other municipalities. It came into operation in 1987 with a purification capacity of 120,000 equivalent inhabitants and over the years it has been significantly improved not only from a technical point of view, but also from a management and environmental point of view.
It currently has a purification capacity of 450,000 equivalent inhabitants.
The sludge treatment plant line was undersized compared to the increase in the equivalent population served, so the project to expand this part of the plant began in the autumn of 2022.
The works were completed in August this year and were carried out by eco center, the entirely public in-house company that has managed the Bolzano purifier since 2006. Essentially three interventions were carried out: a third sludge digester was built, sludge pasteurisation was implemented and the biogas recirculation compressors were upgraded.
These interventions will increase the efficiency of sludge digestion: in fact, overall more dehydrated sludge will be obtained with less use of reagents and greater biogas production. The current room where the compressors that recirculate the biogas in the digesters are installed has been expanded: two more compressors have been installed, one for the new digester and the other serving all the digesters to be used in case of emergency. The building is covered with a green roof. Work to improve the Bolzano purifier will continue over the next two years. In fact, the two old digesters will be renovated and the cogeneration station will be upgraded to make the most of the increased biogas production.
How does the Bolzano water purifier’s expansion impact local community water management practices?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Environmental Expert on the Expansion of the Bolzano Water Purifier
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, and thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to discuss the recent inauguration of the sludge treatment line at the Bolzano purifier, which represents a significant investment in sustainable water management. With us is Dr. Lucia Martin, a leading expert in environmental engineering and water treatment technologies. Dr. Martin, thank you for being here.
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me! It’s exciting to see such investments in water treatment infrastructure.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The Bolzano purifier underwent a major expansion, costing around 5.7 million euros, with a significant portion financed by the Province. What does this investment mean for the local community and the environment?
Dr. Martin: This investment is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it enhances the capacity of the Bolzano purifier to process much larger volumes of wastewater — up to 450,000 equivalent inhabitants. This means that not only is the plant capable of treating current demand, but it is also prepared for future population growth. From an environmental standpoint, this expansion reduces the risk of untreated wastewater being released into nearby ecosystems, thus protecting local water quality.
Editor: That’s a great point. The President of Eco center, Paolo Berlanda, mentioned that Eco center operates 22 purifiers across 58 municipalities in Alto Adige. How does the success of the Bolzano plant reflect on the overall management of water treatment in the region?
Dr. Martin: The Bolzano purifier serves as a model for the entire region. By implementing high environmental standards and investing in technology upgrades, Eco center showcases a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This demonstrates to other municipalities that proactive measures can significantly enhance water management practices, leading to cleaner water and healthier communities.
Editor: The provincial environmental councillor, Peter Brunner, praised the work done by Eco center, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement. In your opinion, what are some ongoing challenges that water treatment facilities face in maintaining high-quality service?
Dr. Martin: One of the ongoing challenges is balancing the technological advancements with operational costs. While investing in new technologies can lead to better efficiency and effectiveness, the initial costs can be daunting. Moreover, maintaining public interest in environmental initiatives can be challenging, especially in the face of development pressures. Water treatment facilities must also adapt to changing regulations and climate change impacts, which can affect water quality and availability.
Editor: The expansion project began due to the sludge treatment line being undersized compared to the increase in the population served. What other factors should facilities consider when planning future expansions?
Dr. Martin: Facilities should conduct thorough demand assessments, including forecasting population growth and analyzing potential impacts from climate change and urban development. They should also consider the integration of renewable energy sources and smart technologies for monitoring and controlling wastewater processes. Additionally, public engagement in decision-making can ensure that the community’s needs and concerns are addressed.
Editor: Moving forward, how important is public awareness and engagement in projects like the Bolzano purifier’s expansion?
Dr. Martin: Public awareness is essential. Educating residents about the benefits of such projects helps foster community support and ensures transparency. Engaging the public can also encourage more responsible water consumption practices, which ultimately reduces the load on treatment facilities. Programs that provide clear communication about the importance of clean water are crucial for building trust and collaboration between authorities and the community.
Editor: It seems clear that the expansion of the Bolzano purifier is an essential step towards a sustainable future for the region. Thank you, Dr. Martin, for your insights on this vital topic!
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this important development.