StoPWa

The quality of the Baltic Sea has fundamental economic, environmental and recreational importance for each country in the Baltic Sea Region. Anyhow, contaminated stormwater, generated both in coastal areas of the Baltic Sea and the leaching from inland waters, poses a risk to the condition of the Baltic Sea. At the same time, old buildings are demolished in the cities of the region, creating huge amounts of construction and demolition waste (CDW), which is difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfills. However, CDW may be used as stormwater filtering material, at a very low cost.

Expected results

The StoPWa project develops and tests multilayer stormwater filtration systems using CDW, in cross-border cooperation. The filters will be tested both in laboratory environments and in field tests where full-scale stormwater filters will be constructed in Lahti (Finland), in Harju County (Estonia) and in Smiltene (Latvia).

The result of the StoPWa project is a tested solution for using CDW in stormwater filters. The main expected outcomes are increased recycling rate of construction and demolition waste and improved preparedness of managing more frequent heavy rainfalls caused by climate change.

This type of filter has not been applied before, so the mindset and solution are novel. The new filter will benefit SMEs across borders in creating business ideas and -opportunities, as well as cities and municipalities with a new, climate-friendly solution to stormwater treatment.

Duration 01.04.2023 - 31.03.2026

Total budget

Programme priority

Improved environment and resource use

Programme objective

PO4 - Improved coastal and marine environment

Lead partner

City of Lahti