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. VA SYD has developed an application and submitted 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. An application was developed, including consultation, and submitted to the Land and Environment Court in late May 2025.
Scope of the permit application
In short, VA SYD is applying 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 outfall pipelines 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 referral period by publishing a notice (advertisement) in the local press. During the referral 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 submit view points, which VA SYD may respond upon. When the referral period has ended, the court will hold a main hearing open to the public, which will most likely take place in Malmö.
Permit decision
When an open 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.
The permit application under the Continental Shelf Act that was submitted to the Government in 2023 remains in place and is currently dormant. VA SYD is working to ensure that permits under both the Environmental Code and the Continental Shelf Act are obtained simultaneously.
