Background
The Rhine and IJssel Water Board decided to modernize the Varsseveld wastewater treatment plant in order to comply with the following requirements and preconditions:
Improvement of the effluent quality is necessary because the effluent of the treatment plant at Varsseveld is discharged into a small and ecologically vulnerable inland waterway called the Boven Slinge, which forms part of an ecological corridor. The desired improvement of effluent quality could have been achieved using conventional technology in combination with effluent polishing through sand filtration. In the past few years, however, an alternative has been developed in the form of MBR technology. In early 2000, this prompted the Rhine and IJssel Water Board to commission DHV Water NV to conduct a feasibility study into the application of the MBR concept at the Varsseveld treatment plant. The results of this study were so interesting that it was decided to make the plans more specific.
The innovative character of MBR technology played an important role in the decision-making process. This model installation showcasing MBR technology was constructed with support from all the Dutch water boards through a fund for technological innovation.