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Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 57 No 12 pp 2017–2022 © IWA Publishing 2008 doi:10.2166/wst.2008.323
Alpine infrastructure in Central Europe: integral evaluation of wastewater treatment systems at mountain refuges
N. Weissenbacher, E. Mayr, R. Haberl, C. Aschauer, S. Lebersorger, T. Niederberger and G. Steinbacher
Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Muthgasse 18, A-1190, Vienna, Austria E-mail: norbert.weissenbacher@boku.ac.at
Institute for Chemical and Energy Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Peter Jordan-Straße 82, A-1190, Vienna, Austria
Institute of Waste Management, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Muthgasse 107, A-1190, Vienna, Austria
Steinbacher+Steinbacher Civil Eng. Inc., Breitwies 16, A-5303, Thalgau, Austria
ABSTRACT
Planning, construction and operation of onsite wastewater treatment systems at mountain refuges is a challenge. Energy supply, costly transport, limited water resources, unfavourable climate and load variations are only some of the problems that have to be faced. Additionally, legal regulations are different between and even within countries of the Alps. To ensure sustainability, integrated management of the alpine infrastructure management is needed. The energy and water supply and the wastewater and waste disposal systems and the cross-relations between them were analysed for 100 mountain refuges. Wastewater treatment is a main part of the overall ‘mountain refuge’ system. The data survey and first analyses showed the complex interaction of the wastewater treatment with the other infrastructure. Main criteria for reliable and efficient operation are training, technical support, user friendly control and a relatively simple system set up. Wastewater temperature, alkalinity consumption and high peak loads have to be considered in the planning process. The availability of power in terms of duration and connexion is decisive for the choice of the system. Further, frequency fluctuations may lead to damages to the installed aerators. The type of water source and the type of sanitary equipment influence the wastewater quantity and quality. Biosolids are treated and disposed separately or together with primary or secondary sludge from wastewater treatment dependent on the legal requirements.
Keywords: infrastructure; integral evaluation; mountain refuge; on site wastewater treatment
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