The northern wastewater tunnel

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 to Sjölunda wastewater treatment plant, covering a distance of about 10 kilometres. The municipalities of Burlöv and Lomma, as well as the urban area of Hjärup in the Municipality of Staffanstorp, will be 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. 

Tunnel
Location: from Källby in Lund to Sjölunda wastewater treatment plant
Lenght: 10 kilometres
Placing: 20–35 metres below ground
Internal diameter: 3 metres
Storage capacity: 80 000 cubic metres
Technical lifespan: 100 years

Shafts
Number: a total of 4 shafts along the tunnel stretch
Size: usually 9–13 metres in diameter, but the entry shaft is 20 metres in diameter
Depth: 15–40 metres down in the ground
Application: tunnelling, evacuation during the construction phase, connection of the existing pipe network, and access for operation and maintenance 

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 stations 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, providing 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 35 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 the surrounding environment compared to a conventional pipeline system, which is the alternative that has been explored. For example, a tunnel at approximately 20–35 meters depth, enables continuing using important agricultural land along the route.