There is much to be gained from the treatment of sewage water. For example, think of the recovery of reusable raw materials. Or think of energy savings which can be made in the purification process. Another factor to consider is a cleaner quality of residual water. New technologies contribute to these and other goals. ‘VIRO is helping Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg (the Limburg Water Board Company, WBL) with the preliminary work for their new test facilities.’
Ruben Bakx is the Group Head of Civil Engineering at engineering firm VIRO. With a team of five colleagues, he is involved in the conversion/refurbishment of a Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) of WBL. ‘The station will be used as a testing ground for innovative water processes. This includes the demolition of an oxidation bed that was no longer in operation. This will free up space for a number of test facilities and a semi-permanent business building that includes a room for laboratory work. The other facilities on the site will continue operations.’
Wanted: civil engineer
The project came to VIRO via Eliquo Water & Energy: ‘They are responsible for the partial reconstruction/refurbishment of the WWTP and requested a civil engineer. VIRO can perform this type of assignment well. After I started the work myself, we were able to appoint two supervisors, an engineer and two modellers to it at a later stage.’ The water company and Eliquo already had the plans prepared. VIRO helped to draw up the performance requirements. The resulting work packages were delivered to the demolition and construction contractors: ‘Additionally, our task is to supervise and monitor compliance with the work packages on site.’
Structural and civil engineering
The VIRO team was also involved in setting up the demolition plan. The agency also supervises the demolition: ‘This must happen in the right way, asbestos and contaminated elements must be disposed of properly, and so on. There is still some suspense concerning the demolition work. The existing surrounding structures must not be damaged. This also applies to buildings in the vicinity of the WWTP site. That is part of the requirements set for the demolition company.’ VIRO is also responsible for the structural and civil engineering part of the work. The contract for the semi-permanent commercial building was awarded to unit builder De Meeuw: ‘In this contract, we shared our knowledge on which requirements the building must meet, how does the building comply with the Buildings Decree, and so on.’
Noise measurements
The drawings for the construction of the site were also provided by VIRO. ‘We manage the 3D model. The underground pipes present are from the existing situation. We look at how best to drain the rainwater as well as draw in the wells and the cobblestone pavement, that sort of thing. During the construction of the infrastructure, we act as supervisors.’ VIRO's involvement has another side: ‘As time went on, more and more installations were built here. WBL realises that this can cause noise pollution. They would like to record the extent of the ambient noise. We are going to carry out noise measurements for this.’ Ruben has a good feeling about the project: ‘It is great that we are taking up sustainability projects like this. This project may be followed up by another. It feels good to make a difference in this kind of assignment.’
