Reconstruction of waste water and water treatment plants
The year 1996 was significant in the history of Pärnu, the Estonian holiday resort. The implementation of an environmental programme of local authorities was initiated. In Pärnu, the programme involves the following objects of infrastructure: renovation of the waste water treatment plant, rehabilitation of the sewage network and pumping stations, reconstruction of the water treatment plant, refinement of water pipelines and arrangement of water measurement.The first step in this process was taken in January 1997 as the renovated biological part of the waste water treatment plant was opened. The renovation guarantees effective treatment of waste water and reduces energy consumption and running costs. The treatment process is automatically controlled and operated. The costs of the project - over 13 million Estonian crowns - were covered by financial assistance from the Republic of Finland.
Another matter of utmost importance for Pärnu is drinking water. Until now practically untreated (only aerated) ground water has been used. However, its iron content is high leading to extensive corrosion of the pipelines. This in turn causes much iron sediment and tap water is often reminiscent of coffee.
The only solution to this problem is proper treatment of water before allowing it access into the pipelines. The construction of the water treatment plant was started in September 1996 and its planned completion is marked for the end of this year. In addition to local funding, the construction works are financed by loans from EBRD, NEFCO and national investments.
For further information, please contact Mr Peeter Vellet, fax: +372 44 31019.
Rehabilitation of houses
Pärnu is an Estonian seaside resort with 51 000 inhabitants. There are about 4000 private homes and approximately 470 multi-flat houses in the city. Over 70 % of the houses and flats have been privatised. However, problems still exist and one of the most serious ones is uneconomical, problematic and wasteful use of energy.Pärnu Town Government has been working on this issue since the beginning of 1990. A Danish company called Carl Bro Group has assisted, for four years in rehabilitating the district heating system and today the system is successfully modernised.
In 1996, the company prepared a proposal for technical assistance concerning a project on the rehabilitation of buildings. The objectives of this project are to demonstrate feasible measures for reduction of energy consumption in multi-flat houses as well as the reduction of maintenance costs.
Two housing blocks with 175 flats have been chosen as a target for the project. All of these are privatised and have a housing union already. In addition the heat bills of these houses are high and the flat owners are interested in the project. A third important element is that these houses are typical for Estonia which enables the utilisation of the results from this pilot project in other cities as well.
The expected results of the project are:
• 20% reduction of heat consumption per house
• normal and stable indoor climate
• elimination of water leakage cealings
• decreased need for future renovations
• increased market value of flats
For further information, please contact Mr Ahto Sadam, fax: +372 44 31019.
