A wastewater tunnel from the North, from Källby to Sjölunda
A wastewater tunnel connecting the municipalities of Burlöv, Lomma, and Lund, as well as the urban area of Hjärup, to the wastewater treatment system MAXIMA is the best alternative. It is more cost-effective, has lower energy consumption, and reduces our environmental impact.
The tunnel is planned to stretch from Källby wastewater treatment plant and to Sjölunda wastewater treatment plant, covering a distance of approximately 10 kilometers. The municipalities of Burlöv and Lomma, as well as the urban area of Hjärup in the Municipality of Staffanstorp, are connected to the tunnel via existing and new pipeline systems. All become part of our regional wastewater treatment system MAXIMA and the joint effort to upgrade the current system, which is nearing its maximum capacity.
The northern wastewater tunnel
Location: Källby wastewater plant – Sjölunda wastewater plant
Lenght: 10 kilometers
Depth: approximately 25-30 meters below ground
Internal diameter: 3 meters
Storage capacity: 80 000 cubic meters
Technical lifespan: 100 years
Connecting multiple urban areas
The tunnel route passes under the urban area of Hjärup, where a shaft connects Hjärup's wastewater. The wastewater from the urban areas of Lomma and the municipality of Burlöv connects to the tunnel where there currently are pumping station in the existing so-called ABMA (Aktiebolaget Malmöregionens avlopp) pipeline system. These pumping stations are to be decommissioned. Furthermore, the wastewater from the urban area of Bjärred is planned to be pumped from the north via a new pressurised pipes system and connected to the wastewater tunnel.
More cost effective
A tunnel is more cost effective. The tunnel connection from the north is designed for maximum inflows to equalize and store heavy rains. The storage function provides system advantages to the entire wastewater treatment system. A significant advantage is that the wastewater treatment system can be built more efficiently, and there is greater flexibility for future expansions.
Low energy consumption
The tunnel route is mapped out so that the connection of the existing W&S network occurs through gravity, resulting in low energy consumption. At Sjölunda pumping station, the wastewater will be lifted from a depth of 25 meters up to 6 meters above ground level.
Reduced environmental impact
The environmental impact of tunnels and shafts is associated with the construction phase. During excavation, temporary groundwater lowering will be required. However, a tunnel has less impact on our surrounding environment compared to a conventional pipeline system, which is the alternative that has been explored. For example, a tunnel at approximately 25-30 meters depth, enables continuing using important agricultural land along the route.
Tunnels are a common solution
Tunnels for wastewater are becoming increasingly common in densely populated communities and regions with strong population growth. In the Nordic countries, wastewater tunnels exist or are planned to be built in cities such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Oslo, and Helsinki. In Copenhagen, tunnels are operated with the same technology planned for MAXIMA and in similar geological conditions.
