Veolia Water, leader of the Delfluent Consortium that won the 30-year, 1.5 billion Euro contract in 2003 to design, build, finance and operate the Harnaschpolder wastewater treatment plant in The Hague, together with the rehabilitation of Houtrust, the existing plant, will take part on March, 28 in the official inauguration of the project.
Harnaschpolder, a major achievement for the first ever public-private partnership in the water industry in the Netherlands.
Aeroview - Rotterdam
The realization of these plants form part of the Afvalwater Haagse Regio project (Wastewater Region The Hague) - a unique partnership between the Hoogheemraadschap of Delfland (Dutch water board) and Delfluent. Harnashpolder is one of the biggest wastewater treatment plants in Europe to guarantee a very high level of environmental protection. With particular emphasis on the reduction of phosphorus and nitrogen discharge into the natural environment, the plants are compliant with the new European standards. They contribute towards helping the Netherlands comply to new, stricter European guidelines in the area of wastewater purification. Both the Harnaschpolder and Houtroust plants will serve a population of 1.7 million, and will purify eighty percent of wastewater in the region of The Hague.
Delfluent - Martin Kers
The contract was awarded following an international call for bids issued in 1999 by Hoogheemraadshap van Delfland. This local water, dykes and polders authority was created in the 13th century and is responsible for managing wastewater services in the region of The Hague. The Delfluent Consortium consists of Veolia Water (40%) and Evides (40%), a Dutch publicly owned water distribution company. The other members of the consortium are Rabobank (10%) and two civil engineering companies, Heijmans and Strukton, each with a 5% holding. The Consortium will operate both the new Harnaschpolder and the existing Houtrust plants and sewage systems for 30 years.
Delfluent - Martin Kers
Harnaschpolder was designed by Veolia Water Solutions and Technologies (VWS), a subsidiary of Veolia Water. A 90km sewage network was also started at the same time. Construction work has been led by VWS and the two Dutch companies, Heijmans and Strukton. This work, worth 258 million euros, has taken five years.
This public private partnership - the first in the world of water boards in the Netherlands - has resulted in cost savings and risk management, and incorporates innovation, quality and sustainability. It is a fine example of various nationalities working together to achieve a project designed with the environment in mind.
More information about Veolia Water in the Netherlands