Go to full project report Background The complex questions of which and to what extent wastewater contaminants must be removed to protect the environment require specific answers for each case. This requires analyses of local conditions and needs, together with the application of scientific knowledge, engineering judgment based on experience, and careful consideration of state requirements and regulations. The selection of the proper applicable method of treatment  (mechanical, chemical or biological) is also limited by several conditions such as equipment, investment costs, site area, maintenance, running cost and efficiency. Bearing in mind that the water problems are trans-boundary in nature and wastewater treatment is important for neighboring countries, this course (organised and held in Bulgaria) offers the possibility to the participants from Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, FYR Macedonia and Bulgaria to become aware of new technical equipment models and processes. Part of the practical training is introduction of methods for estimation of kinetic parameters necessary for dimensioning. The training course and existing sampling facilities are a solid foundation for improving participant expertise and for solving existing real problems, which is aided through demonstrations and testing of different alternatives. The course is directed towards practical implementation of the tested cases, and organized by REC Country Office Bulgaria. Goal The main goal of the project is to continue develop knowledge on wastewater treatment methods and their proper selection for solving real environmental problems at local and regional levels. Objectives to develop and disseminate information wastewater treatment methods throughout Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro, Romania and FYR Macedonia; to promote the recently constructed wastewater sampling site at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, along with facility's training capacity; to organise a regional training course with participants from Bulgaria, FYR Macedonia, Romania and Serbia and Montenegro; and to organise a local training course for participants from Bulgaria; Project activities There are two main events planned within the workshop: 1. Regional Training for experts from Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro, Romania and FYR Macedonia The regional workshop includes the following main activities: Water training course - The water training course will include lectures and laboratory exercises. The main topics are respiratory activity, flotation, filtration, residual time distribution, oxygen measurement in activated sludge and coagulation. The training will be delivered at the recently constructed "sampling model site" with different type of facilities for simulations and experiments at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy. The demonstration facilities are the first of this type in Bulgaria. The lectures will be delivered by Ivan Sekulov from the University in Hamburg and other professors from the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy. The developed training course, materials and the existing sampling facilities are good base for improving the knowledge of experts within the region and for solving existing problems through demonstrations and testing of different alternatives. It is directed towards practical implementation of tested cases Site visits – Two site visits to water treatment plants will be organised. 2. Local training for Bulgarian experts The training for Bulgarian experts will include the same activities as the regional workshop delivered in September. Only the Bulgarian Country Office will be involved in the selection process and organisation of the official meeting. The training and training materials will be conducted in the Bulgarian language, with a special emphasis on national legislation and requirements. Project outcomes Spread information about wastewater treatment processes, methods and possibilities for solving real problems at the local level (Bulgaria) and regional level (Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, FYR Macedonia); Achieve sustainability of the Water Training Center, where all interested experts and decision-makers can be trained; Prepare different stakeholders from Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro to be ready to participate in discussions and taking decisions on wastewater-treatment issues.

Home Assistance to NGOs Technical Support to CEE Countries  • Water Treatment Training Center  • Waste Management Training Seminars  • Development of Waste Management Strategies and Projects Development of Joint Environmental Investment Projects Institutional Strengthening Capacity for Climate Protection