Basis for best management practice for contaminated stormwater (2024-2025)

The overall objective of the project is to develop, in collaboration with the water and wastewater industry, a common basis for best management practice for contaminated stormwater. By defining clear guidelines and requirements, the project aims to increase predictability, improve communication between stakeholders and ensure long-term functioning stormwater solutions.

Project description

At present, there are no national standards for discharge of contaminated stormwater in Sweden. Neither the Public Water Services Act (LAV) nor the Planning and Building Act (PBL) provide concrete tools to set requirements for the content of treated stormwater. Regulations can be made i certain cases based on the Environmental Code (MB), but guidance from national authorities is lacking, as is legal precedents.

The project therefore aims to develop a common and clear set of requirements for contaminated stormwater in the water and wastewater industry. The work is based on experiences from, among others, Kretslopp och Vatten in Gothenburg and Borås Energi och Miljö, and will take place in close dialogue with stakeholders, including through workshops with Stormwater&Sewers member organizations and other industry players.

An important part of the project is to analyze the socio-economic consequences of introducing a common industry practice. This analysis will highlight the perspectives of authorities, water utilities, technology providers and other stakeholders.

With a common industry practice, current uncertainty and resource-intensive processes - such as extensive investigations, sampling and risk of faulty installations - can be reduced. Requirements are clearly defined in the project, creating greater clarity for both operators and regulatory authorities.

Project duration and funder

The project is funded by Svenskt Vatten and runs September 2024 - December 2025.

Project partners

RISE (project management), Luleå University of Technology, Vattenforum, Sweco, Advokatfirman Lindahl, Växjö Municipality, Borås Energi och Miljö, and Uponor

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