Arctic Melt Solutions (2026-2029)

Arctic Melt Solutions is a cross-border project that develops knowledge and practical solutions for managing contaminated meltwater in Nordic cities.

Pollutants accumulated in urban snow storage sites can be transported to soil and receiving waters during snow melt. This challenge is increasing as winters become warmer and more variable which affects melt processes even in sub-arctic regions.

Together with partners in Finland and Norway, the project investigates snow and snowmelt quality and evaluates nature-based treatment solutions. LTU will analyse snow from approximately 30 snow storage sites, with a particular focus on contaminants of emerging concern such as PFAS, and evaluate two snowmelt treatment facilities in Umeå. The results will provide municipalities and contractors with a basis for more sustainable and climate-adapted snow management.

Collaboration partners:

• Kajaanin University of Applied Sciences (KAMK), Finland — EU lead partner
• Feasib Oy, Finland
• Luleå University of Technology (LTU), Sweden
• UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway

Associated partner:

• Umeå Municipality