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About UNEP
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United Nations Environment Programme
Division of Technology, Industry and Economics
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Newsletter and Technical Publications
Freshwater Management Series No. 10

Managing Urban Sewage
An Introductory Guide for Decision-makers


IV. Construction

Sewage infrastructure construction work includes the installation of the sewage collection system, engineering and construction of pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants, and the installation of a wide range of machinery and electrical equipment for pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants. Sewage infrastructure construction in urban areas involves a number of considerations as discussed below.

A. Underground Obstacles

In most cities, underground space is highly utilized, and it is necessary to take into account proximity to other underground facilities as subways, waterworks, electric power cables, gas pipes and telephone lines. Special construction methods to move, reroute or undertake work in close proximity to water and gas mains is sometimes required. Making adjustments in consultation with those who manage underground facilities is time consuming and as a result an extended construction period or additional costs can arise.

B. Space for Facilities and Construction Work

The construction of facilities such as treatment plants and pumping stations requires a large amount of space. Driving shafts for base construction and for burying large sewer pipes also requires space. Most cities use public land such as parks, or purchase or lease private land to secure sufficient space. It is often difficult to obtain consent from land owners, and negotiations can require a significant amount of time. Securing land can interfere with other public works projects such as the construction or expansion of roads and the improvements of rivers and waterways.

C. Disposal of Soil from Construction Projects

Soil generated from construction projects can be a problem and planning is necessary to identify ways of reusing this soil or reducing the amount of soil generated.

D. Obtaining the Understanding and Cooperation of Stakeholders

Experience has shown that sewage construction projects should incorporate an ISO 14001 environmental management system. Equipment and processes should be selected to minimize noise and vibration which can be irritants to local residents. It is also important to hold information meetings to obtain the support of residents. This is necessary for both sewage construction projects and the refurbishment of older sewers.

 

      Table of Contents

          

  • Major Projects
  • DEBRI Project
  • DEBRI Project
  • Iraqi Marshlands Project
  • Iraqi Marshlands Project
  • IETC's Tools
  • Environmentally Sound Technology Information System
  • ESTIS facilitates creation and management of websites on the Internet, sharing and searching of information across multiple ESTIS websites, publishing of information by non-web designers and decentralized management of content.
  • WiseWater
  • WiseWater is a spreadsheet application for projecting reductions in Water Consumption Patterns after application of Environmentally Sound Technologies. It is included as part of the publication "Every Drop Counts: Environmentally Sound Technologies for Urban and Domestic Water Use Efficiency".
  • Pamolare
  • PAMOLARE is an environmental modelling tool to forecast the changes in water quality leading to the eutrophication of Lakes and Reservoirs.
    The versatility of PAMOLARE allows for its use in decision making process as well as for training purposes.