TROJAN TECHNOLOGIES HELPING TO "RENATURE" THE ISAR RIVER
One of the most unique and ambitious environmental programs in the world --
the renaturing of the Isar River in Germany -- took another important step
today with the announcement of two contracts to Trojan Technologies.
Trojan will build and install ultraviolet (UV) water disinfection systems
at the wastewater plants in Wolfratshausen and Schaeftlarn. Both UV
facilities will be operational by April, 2003, and will be used to destroy
pathogens in the wastewater before being discharged. The contracts total
approximately $500,000.
Two other wastewater facilities on the upper Isar -- located at
Benediktbeuern/Bichl and Penzberg -- are in the process of inviting bids.
It is all part of a major undertaking by Bavaria to restore the Isar River.
The river, which flows northward from its source in the Alps through Munich
and then on to the Danube, is an important tourism and recreation area for
millions of citizens and visitors each year. Bavaria has committed about
3.5 million euros (about $5.37-million (Canadian)) to the first phase of
the overall renaturing project, which will help wastewater plants along the
upper Isar to Munich install UV disinfection facilities.
The final phase, to be operational in 2007, will focus on the lower Isar
north of Munich to the Danube. It is expected that many new UV plants will
be constructed over the next five years.
A pilot project on the upper Isar at Bad Tolz demonstrated that UV
treatment will help ensure that the discharge into the river meets
stringent "bathing water standards" set by the Bavarian state office for
water management.
In announcing the initiative last May, Bavarian environment minister Werner
Schnappauf said the goal is for Munich to be one of the first major
European cities in which "a river invites its citizens to a healthy and fun
bathing attraction."
During the summer months, many people swim in the river even though it is
not advised. Boating and rafting are also popular. In Munich, the river
passes through the English Garden -- Europe's largest park and one of the
main attractions of the city.
"We're proud to be playing a part in rejuvenating the Isar," said Serafino
Verace, Trojan's manager in Germany. "Bavaria wants this to be a showcase
and we are committed to ensuring that this project exceeds everyone's
expectations."
Trojan's UV equipment effectively destroys water-borne micro-organisms,
including bacteria (such as E. coli), viruses (such as hepatitis and polio)
and protozoa (such as giardia and Cryptosporidium).
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