SUEZ has announced a major contract with Hillerød Forsyning to enhance the HCR Syd wastewater treatment facility by focusing on the treatment of pharmaceutical residues. This initiative aims to help preserve water resources in the area by improving the quality of the sewage effluent.
The plant, which accommodates a population equivalent of 100,000 in Hillerød, is the first municipal wastewater treatment facility in Denmark to introduce a specialized quaternary treatment stage aimed at eliminating micropollutants.
It will serve as a crucial reference for the future application of the EU’s new Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, which mandates enhanced micropollutant treatment for all facilities serving over 150,000 population equivalent by 2045.
This upgrade is prompted by the impending connection of New Hospital North Zealand (Nyt Hospital Nordsjælland) to the existing treatment facility. The construction of the hospital will increase the wastewater load on the plant, alongside significant industrial activities in the region that contribute to the overall load.
The project, valued at €4.5 million, is set to commence in early 2025 and is expected to be operational by mid-2026.
SUEZ will implement a sophisticated quaternary treatment process at HCR Syd to eliminate micropollutants, particularly pharmaceutical residues, which primarily come from private households (97%) and the hospital (3%). The solution incorporates inline ozonation and Granular Active Carbon (GAC) filters (SUEZ Carbablue solution) designed to comply with discharge regulations for specific pharmaceuticals.
Micropollutants can adversely affect aquatic ecosystems and living organisms due to their toxicity, persistence, and potential for bioaccumulation. Wastewater treatment plants are essential for capturing these substances. Effective treatment solutions are vital for preventing their spread and conserving water resources.
Jörg Linsenmaier, Executive Vice-President of Engineering & Construction at SUEZ, remarked: “We are excited to collaborate with Hillerød Forsyning on this ambitious project to address the increasing demand for wastewater treatment in the region while effectively managing micropollutants. With our extensive expertise in water treatment, we have developed a variety of solutions to assist our clients in preparing for stricter treatment regulations. This reflects SUEZ’s commitment to helping our customers provide reliable water and waste services through innovative solutions.”
Peter Underlin, CEO of Hillerød Forsyning, stated: “At Hillerød Forsyning, we have decided to implement centralized treatment for pharmaceutical residues at HCR Syd, as this solution allows us to remove the majority of pharmaceutical residues from all medications across the municipality. We are pleased to partner with SUEZ and look forward to initiating the expansion, ensuring a more sustainable aquatic environment and a healthier water supply for the present and future.”
Source : Suez
