Facts & Figures
| Client | Ruhrverband |
| Licensee | Ruhrverband |
| Wastewater type | Municipal |
| Location | Germany, Altena |
| Operation start | 2021 |
| Status | Construction |
| Project type | Retrofit |
| Capacity | 9 MLD |
| Calculated capacity | 16,300 PE |
| Peak flow | 1080 m3/hour |
| Nereda reactors | 3 x 1,705 m3 |
| Post-treatment | Effluent equalization |
| In the media | -- |
About the Altena WWTP
Ruhrverband operates more than 60 wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in North Rhine-Westphalia and cleans the wastewater of more than two million people and numerous commercial enterprises.
The challenge
The Altena WWTP in German Sauerland was built in 1984 for a capacity of 52,000 p.e. Over the years, the plant has deteriorated and the population it serves has increased substantially. To meet the increased demands on the plant, Ruhrverband identified that it needed to be replaced. However, limited space and access constraints at the site for heavy construction equipment, represented significant challenges.
The solution
Nereda® technology was selected due to its small footprint and high levels of robustness, as well as a lower operating cost and reduced maintenance requirements. The new plant will treat predominantly municipal wastewater, along with some industrial wastewater from the metal industry. Additionally, Nereda was chosen due to its excellent biological phosphorous and nitrogen removal qualities, with little or no chemical dosing.
The outcome
The new plant at Altena WWTP will serve a population of 72,000 p.e. Ruhrverband expects to improve current flow values, save significant cost on chemical use and reduce the energy demand by at least 30 percent.
The local benefits of the project
 | Small physical footprint | |
| Cost effective | |
| Considerable energy savings | |
| Greater treatment capacity | |
| | Chemical cost savings |