Sewerage system overhaul for a healthier environment in Attica, Greece

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In October 2015, the Court of Justice of the European Union fined the country EUR 10 million and an additional EUR 3 640 000 for every six months’ delay in complying with Directive 91/271/EEC. The case began in 2006, when warning letters were sent and legal processes initiated. The agglomerations of Rafina and Artemida were required to have implemented drainage systems by 31 December 2000; the agglomerations of Pikermi and Spata by 31 December 2005.This investment will fund a 430 km-long network of sewage pipes, 23 pumping stations, a wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 135 000 population equivalent, and a 2.2 km-long pipe for releasing treated effluent into the sea. It also covers the construction of an administration building and an environmental awareness and information centre.Saving waterThe new plant will include primary treatment in sedimentation tanks, membrane bioreactors and processes to eliminate organic waste, nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as UV disinfection and chlorination.Effluent will be reused for irrigation. This will ensure less water is withdrawn from the water table, which will decrease salinization of underground reserves. Oversupply of effluent, anticipated mostly in winter, will be channelled into the sea through the underwater pipeline.The sewage sludge will initially be treated to generate biogas. Other treatment processes will dry it for use as fuel in the cement industry.Better quality of lifeThe project will protect public health and the environment against the negative effects of releasing untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater into the soil or ocean. The area has an important coastal ecosystem and sensitive water balance. The project will help preserve both, to the benefit of locals and tourists alike.The environmental awareness and information centre, to form part of the treatment plant’s facilities, will be used for pilot programmes on reusing effluent. Information and training on environmental topics will also take place there.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “Collection, treatment of urban wastewater in Rafina-Pikermi and Spata-Artemida municipalities and reuse – disposal of treated effluents” is EUR 292 442 805, with the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 176 406 552 through the “Transport Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainable Development ” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Conservation and Protection of the Environment - Promotion of effective use of resources”.