ABCD strategic planning process

Martijn SchiphouwerLennart Swinkels

System

System: Scheldt Estuary Belgium/Netherlands

Sub system: The Rupel river system, a tributary of the Scheldt

Untreated waste water from the Brussels region affects oxygen levels and biodiversity

The Netherlands: all municipal water goes to waste water treatment plants

In a sustainable river system, release of harmful substances does not exceed the carrying capacity

The scope

Scheldt river situationAverage Oxygen concentration (2007)

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Vision

A balanced Rupel river system in terms of waste water disposal and water quality. This will lead to a less polluted Scheldt system with a higher biodiversity.

StakeholdersStakeholder Interest

European Union Policy and legislation on an European scale

National government Policy and legislation on a national scale

Province of Brussels; water treatment authority (BMWB)

Policy and legislation on a regional scale

Aquafin Design, construct and exploitation of the water treatment infrastructure

Industrial and domestic users Use of water treatment infrastructure facilities

Flemish environmental organization (VMM)

Secure sustainable use of the environmental and protection

Flows

Needs Protect society from infections and diseases, healthy environment

Output Sewerage system and treatment plants

Input Policy and financial support

Waste Treated effluent

Lost Waste water which is not connected to a treatment plant

System condition analyses

SC2: Unacceptable concentrations of substances produced by society =>we have to eliminate our contribution to the progressive buildup of chemicals and compounds produced by society in the environment

Organic pollution of the Rupel river system is still of unacceptable proportion, biodiversity is very low

Significant areas

The biggest challenge is to have sustainable waste water infrastructure for the total Rupel watershed

Current treatment capacity has to improve

More sewerage systems must be connected to treatment plants

Creative solutions

Optimalisation and expansion of waste water infrastructure

Decide on priorities

Short term actions Create awareness amongst industrial and domestic water users Connect the largest unconnected urban areas to the main sewage

treatment plant Upscale treatment facilities

Long term actions All waste water to treatment plant Building of new treatment plants Implement strict laws concerning waste water discharge

Important stakeholders: Province, Aquafin, water users and VMM

Polluter pays principle, awareness of all parties, participation

Questions?