Wastewater Treatment Plant Modernization. The Goal? “A Significant Reduction in Odour Nuisance”

Work has begun on a significant investment in Bolesławiec—the modernization of the wastewater treatment plant, including the enclosure of selected facilities. The aim of this project is to significantly reduce odour nuisance, which is ultimately intended to improve the quality of life of the local community. What is more, thanks to this modernization, the efficiency of both wastewater treatment—by limiting the impact of weather conditions—and the sludge-processing process will increase. In addition, the amount of sludge will decrease.

The modernization concerns the enclosure of the plant’s wastewater-treatment section, including covering the grit chambers, open channels, primary clarifier and distribution chamber before the biological treatment block. The project also includes the installation of a central biofilter, which will effectively purify the air collected beneath the enclosed facilities.

The agreement with the contractor—MIKO-TECH of Łazik Górnych—was signed on 16 January 2025, and the contract is worth PLN 6,355,410. The work began with the cleaning and reprofiling of concrete elements at the facilities to be enclosed. The planned completion date for enclosing the grit chambers, open channels and dephosphatation chamber is 15 October 2025, while the enclosure of the primary clarifier is to be completed by 15 January 2026.

In recent years, a number of initiatives have been undertaken to reduce the nuisance associated with the operation of the wastewater treatment plant. A covered anaerobic digestion chamber was built, biofilters were installed and buffer greenery was planted. Although effective, the solutions introduced proved insufficient in the face of the increasing pollutant load and extreme weather conditions. Therefore, a decision was made to further enclose the facilities in order to more effectively limit the emission of unpleasant odours.

Cooperation with Wrocław University of Science and Technology resulted in the precise identification of the facilities requiring enclosure and the preparation of a technical specification. After the preparatory work, which was temporarily suspended due to the flooding, was completed, PWiK immediately began carrying out the project.