Gällivare is in the middle of a societal transformation and the densification of properties and paved surfaces means that there will be more discharges of untreated stormwater to the Vassara River.
The river is a "Natura 2,000 river" with tributary to the Kalix River and against that background, Gällivare municipality has applied for support from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
Two facilities will be installed
The support is granted and, among other things, two stormwater treatment plants with underground filter reservoirs will be purchased and installed.
- The facilities will be installed upstream of two stormwater outlets from Gällivare urban area, says Glenn Lund, VA planner, community building and technology administration, on the municipality's website.
High demands to prevent negative environmental impact
The Vassara River receives a large part of the stormwater runoff from the Gällivare urban area.
The stormwater transports pollutants to varying degrees from the city's surfaces during snowmelt and rain, which periodically has a negative environmental impact on the river.
As a Natura 2000 area, the Vassara River has particularly high requirements when it comes to preventing negative environmental impact.