Application for an environmental permit
In order for the MAXIMA wastewater treatment system to become a reality, VA SYD needs to apply for an environmental permit according to Chapters 9 and 11 of the Environmental Code. As a result of the system's increased scope, VA SYD has withdrawn the application for an environmental permit that was submitted to the Land and Environment Court in May 2023. VA SYD is now working on a new application and plans to submit it in May 2025.
Obtaining an environmental permit to build and operate the MAXIMA wastewater treatment system is an extensive process that includes several steps. After relevant investigations and carrying out consultations with those concerned, VA SYD makes assessments, evaluates environmental consequences and produces proposals for conditions. A first application was worked on during 2021/2022 but was never submitted because Lund's city council decided to instead rebuild Källby ARV and not connect to Sjölunda ARV. A review without Lund was worked out and submitted to the Land and Environment Court in May 2023.
In October 2023, Lund's municipal council made a new decision to become part of MAXIMA, and all member municipalities have now signed an investment agreement. This means that the scope of the system no longer matches the submitted permit application, which is why it was withdrawn on 16 August 2024. A new application is being developed (including a new consultation), and is planned to be submitted to the Land and Environment Court at the end of May 2025.
Scope of the permit application
In short, VA SYD is going to apply for an environmental permit for this:
To obtain a permit with conditions for the discharge of treated wastewater from 820,000 population equivalent (a measure for the design of wastewater treatment plants) from a new Sjölunda wastewater treatment plant
To build a robust new Sjölunda wastewater treatment plant with new outlet pipes into the Öresund, a new pumping station at Sjölunda, a wastewater tunnel under Malmö and a wastewater tunnel from Lund
Discharge of groundwater, infiltration and other water activities such as works in the Öresund during the construction phase
Any permit required to operate in or near Natura 2000 sites.
About the judicial proceedings
Having your application reviewed by the Land and Environment Court is a process that can take around two years. The court starts by assessing whether the permit application needs additional information. Once the application is complete, the court initiates a consultation period by publishing a notice (advertisement) in the local press. During the consultation period, parties concerned, the general public, municipalities, the county administrative board and other public authorities are given access to the plans for MAXIMA and have the opportunity to comment on the case. VA SYD must respond to the comments received. Once the consultation period is over, the court holds a main hearing that is open to everyone. The hearing is likely to be held in Malmö.
Permit decision
When the hearing has been completed, the Land and Environment Court decides whether the activity may be carried out or not, and the conditions that apply to the permit. The judgment may be appealed against to the Land and Environment Court of Appeal by you or others who are affected. The deadline for appeals is stated in the judgment.
View the environmental permit application
When the new application is submitted to the Land and Environment Court in May 2025, you will be able to view it here. The application will consist of a main document, the application document itself which describes the activity applied for, with associated appendices. soon as the application here. The application documents are written i Swedish.
