The wastewater treatment plant operates at full capacity

The Meltola wastewater treatment plant is in full operation. The renovation project of the wastewater treatment plant started in 2017 with a preliminary plan, and construction work began in 2021. In connection with the renovation, the treatment plant's technology was updated to a modern one.

- Many variables have come up during the renovation process, for example due to the corona virus. Now, however, we are well on the winning side, says the operating engineer Kalle Kokko From the water of Imatra.

Technology fine-tuning and earthworks in progress

In the beginning of the year, the wastewater treatment plant has had finishing and finishing works, as well as commissioning of machinery and systems.

- Commissioning is still going on, and work is also being done regarding electrical and automation contracts, says Kokko.

The adjustments to the aeration basins, which raised the noise level in the area at the end of the year, have been adjusted, which has reduced the noise level in the area. There are also fewer odor nuisances in the area than before.

- The sewage sands and wastes generated from the operation of the wastewater treatment plant are currently taken to the landfill by trucks with closed pallets, which reduces odors, says Kokko.

The construction containers in the yard of the wastewater treatment plant have been taken away, and the personnel have moved to new premises and a new control room building. The old control room building was demolished at the turn of the year, and as a result of the demolition work, earthworks are underway in the area of ​​the wastewater treatment plant in the spring.

Sampling twice a month

The entire post-treatment plant of the wastewater treatment plant was renewed in connection with the renovation. The treatment plant has a new fabric filter system and with it the water coming out of the treatment plant is clearer than before.

- Previously, Meltola's wastewater treatment plant did not have a post-treatment plant, but only post-clarification, after which the water went to Vuosi. Now there is an extra step involved in making better water, says Kokko.

With the wastewater treatment plant's sampling, it is monitored whether the water remains within the limit values ​​of the environmental permit. Samples are taken from incoming and outgoing water and at different stages of the water purification process.

- The facility's process managers take the samples, and then Saimaa's Water and Environmental Research collects and analyzes them, says Kokko.  

The environmental permit specifies how much nutrients can be in the outgoing water. For nutrients, for example phosphorus, nitrogen and solids and oxygen consumption are monitored.

The outgoing waste water is taken into use at the treatment plant, as heat is compressed from the outgoing waste water to the treatment plant. A significant part of the plant's heating is obtained from outgoing water.

For more information:

operating engineer Kalle Kokko, Imatra water, expensive. bonfireimatra.fi (kalle[dot]kokko[at]imatra[dot]fi), tel. 020 617 1144

water supply manager Kari Pietarinen, Imatran Vesi, kari.pietarinenimatra.fi (kari[dot]pietarinen[at]imatra[dot]fi), tel. 020 617 4399