1. Pages
2. Programme of Networking Platform events 2014

Good practices and experiences in sludge management and treatment

The JASPERS Networking Platform was created to complement JASPERS project advisory operations by implementing knowledge sharing and capacity building activities, as well as fostering dissemination of good practices and exchange of experiences among all EU member states, pre-accession countries and other JASPERS Stakeholders.

The JASPERS Networking Platform is open to relevant authorities from all EU Member States (EU 28), as well as pre-accession Countries.

Approximately 10 million tonnes (dry solids) of sewage sludge are generated annually in the EU. The costs of treating, utilising and disposing of this sludge can be substantial – accounting for up to 50% of the costs of waste water treatment in extreme cases.

The management options for sludge are constrained by legislation, such as the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) and the Sewage Sludge Directive (86/278/EEC).

However, sludge is also viewed as a resource, not only in agriculture as a soil conditioner and fertiliser, but also as a source of renewable energy and of phosphorus, for which a range of recovery technologies are emerging.

This interactive workshop aimed at providing information on the options available for sludge management, the advantages, disadvantages, practicalities and costs of existing and emerging techniques, as well as information on sludge management approaches being used throughout Europe.

Detailed case studies were presented from a range of EU Member States, namely Poland, Croatia, Sweden and Denmark.

During the second day, participants had the opportunity to visit Czajka Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), the main WWTP serving Warsaw, and the largest and most modern wastewater treatment plant in Poland. The plant is designed for a population of 2.1 million people and a daily inflow of 435,000m³.

Sludge in Czajka WWTP is treated by gravity and mechanical thickeners prior to digestion and de-watering. The residual sludge is incinerated and the ashes are transported to landfill.

For more information please see the detailed agenda and presentations available on this page.

For any further enquiry on the CBA forum meetings and in general on the activities of the JASPERS Networking Platform please write an email to jaspersnetwork@eib.org