VLARIO Day 2011

VLARIO day was an enormous success this year. Nearly 700 people from all the sewerage and sanitation sectors attended the annual meeting, with the 20th anniversary of VLARIO as the main topic of the event.

Kris Peeters, the Flemish minister-president, expressed in his speech his appreciation for what has been achieved in those 20 years. A few rounds of “de slimste rioleringsmens” (the smartest sewer person) ensured a playful tone. Following the presentations a panel discussion was held with some stakeholders to throw some light on the past and the future of VLARIO and the sewerage sector. To finish it all off, a sewer market was held, where everyone was given the opportunity to make contact with various organisations and companies and their products.

Welcoming

by Flemish Minster-President Kris Peeters

The Minister-President supplemented the main theme “20 years of VLARIO, knowledge and consultation" with "experience and expertise". He showed appreciation for VLARIO, mainly because the organisation has managed to bring all stakeholders around the same table. People from the private and public sectors shared ideas about all issues and challenges facing the sector as a whole. In 2010 membership grew beyond 400.

A milestone achieved on VLARIO Day was the exchange of knowledge with other countries as three cooperation agreements were signed. This ties in with the commitment to grow into a fully fledged knowledge centre and the pursuit of sustainability and quality. The 8 working groups provided new insights to help the sector to move forward. The prime minister experienced first-hand how the working groups support policy, and he referred to the successful catch-up operation of 2004.

There are plenty of challenges that still remain: maintenance, integrated water management and flood prevention. With the latter the smooth processing of peak flow and the disconnection of surface water are important in combating floods. A new regulation in place since 1 July is that all private sewer systems at new buildings must be approved. That will provide a significant contribution. It will have a sensitising effect in order to avoid errors in new constructions.

In order to reduce discomfort while work is in progress the Flemish Authorities developed “minder hinder” (less discomfort) measures: a daily premium with closure, government guarantees for bridging and interest subsidies for loans granted while work is in progress. At the request of traders and the local community interest subsidies were extended to the current loans, so that companies that had invested just before the work started do not have to dig a new hole to close another. In order to limit hindrances in future investments made must be based on long-term planning.

The Minister-President concluded with the hope that VLARIO can also be counted upon in the next 20 years to implement this policy.

Signing of cooperation agreements

between VLARIO and foreign organisations that are active in the sewage markets.

The event took place under the leadership of Mr Torterotot, chairman of the European Water Association, which is represented in 20 countries and with 50,000 members. Torterotot emphasised the importance of structured consultation.

Three foreign speakers delved deeper into what they can do for VLARIO in order to expand on current knowledge.

Hugo Gastkemper from the RIONED foundation provided a few examples of the current focus of research in the Netherlands, including the effectiveness of waste water purification with regards to emissions, data management and monitoring.

Roland Waniek from IKT (Institut für Kanaltechnik) looked into technical, economical and environmental approaches based on scientific research conducted by his institute.

Finally, Karl-Heinz Flick spoke on behalf of DWA (Deutscher Wasser- und Abwasserverband) about how the organisation can provide input in the fields of development, formation and regulations, with 40,000 members and 250 technical committees at its disposal.

The cleverest sewer person

20 years of VLARIO and just as many VLARIO days deserve a lighter tone. Between the speeches 3 rounds of “the cleverest sewer person” were held with three candidates. Those in attendance could also contribute their own expertise or refresh their own knowledge of sewers. Dirk de Waele eventually came out on top.

Overview of a few achievements of the VLARIO work group.

Code of good sewer maintenance

By Danny Verhulst, chairman of Work Group 7 at VLARIO

Danny Verhulst fit the review of the code in against the background of a circular letter, in which it was stated that a sewer maintenance plan must include the following: an estimation of the critical points, a risk analysis, including the nature and frequency of the critical situations, as well as a supervisory plan and a plan of action in the event of problems. The cycle of a defined approach with regards to criticality includes the following steps: inspection, evaluation, plan of action and implementation. This criticality must be determined in a uniform manner; accessible, transparent, objective, flexible and continuous. Criticality is defined as the chance of failure, multiplied by the consequential damage. The state of the infrastructure, traffic volumes, sensitivity of the area, the presence of trees, type of waste water, pressure pipe outlets or the absence of a siphon must be taken into consideration before such an estimation can be made.  The infrastructure, in turn, is dependent on the life expectancy and material properties.

The work group consulted extensively on the coherence of the two aspects. It further emphasised economical, ecological and social consequential damage. Eventually we arrive at a criticality per strand with a global overview of x% of the most critical levels. This requires the development of an inspection programme for structural/hydraulic research and the preparation of suitable schemes for the maintenance of these critical strands/structures. In conclusion Verhulst said that 40 damaged sewers are fixed in Brussels each month. He also highlighted a number of catastrophic incidents. He encouraged the audience to put more emphasis on systematic maintenance.

Supervision of sewer works: evaluation of 11 years of training and recommendations

By Dirk Stove, chairman of Work Group 6 at VLARIO

Dirk Stove took us back to a survey conducted in 1999, which was the start of the training programme, which now lasts 6 days. He discussed the objectives and the specific points of action encompassed in the training programme. After 11 years it was time for a survey involving 500 participants to evaluate the training programme more globally. The results were first interpreted to response (37%), and to how many participants actually perform the role of supervisor (15%). Most striking results:

-        included among the obstacles to performing tasks properly: too little information is being exchanged,

-        with most shortcomings identified: infringements: shortcomings in the implementation of three major tasks: damage, deficiencies in delivery forms and failing water resistance.

-        too little is being done about proper connection.

Points of action were derived fro this evaluation. There is a real need for a refresher course regarding document management, the re-use of land and materials,  testing and quality control of materials and conduct in connection with establishing infringements. Topics that need to be addressed in more detail: camera inspection in plastic drains, pressure tests and leakage tests.

Stove concluded: "With the impending changes to regulations of the ‘code of good practice’ and directions from the standard specifications 250, version 2.2, it seems that proper training is essential for the proper formation of site supervisors. This will contribute to guaranteeing the quality of our sewer system and effective water purification.”

Disconnection of rain water versus summer storms - the source needs to be tackled more than ever before.

By Yannick Verstraete, chairman of Work Group 4 at VLARIO

Yannick Verstraete provided a series of arguments to support the fact that water has become a precious resource. Examples include the limited availability of quality water, a drop in groundwater levels, increasing hardening, the changing climate causing drier summers and wetter winters with more violent storms, and population growth. 

Water can also be a burden. To support this argument he referred to water flooding during the past winter and floods from saturated sewers in summer. This issue was debated in the Flemish parliament and VLARIO was requested to formulate recommendations. There are at least five good reasons why rainwater should be disconnected from the sewer system: savings on water payments, to replenish groundwater levels, reduced overflow functioning, reduced flood risks and better functioning of the water purification infrastructure. The water ladder concept (also known as Lansink ladder) is used as a guideline regarding the hierarchy of measures. Discharge of rainwater into the sewer system is the last option that should be considered after all other priorities are proven to be impractical. It is concerned with recycling, infiltration and buffering with delayed discharge.

This led Yannick Verstraete to make a series of concrete proposals:

Finally move forward with the proposals to revise the Regional Planning Regulation, source measures for open fields, introduction of a rainwater tax, inspection of private sewers and the disconnection recommendations are intended to stimulate source measures. The speaker provided specific information about the training provided by VLARIO for disconnection advisors and disconnection contractors (including information sessions). Approximately 500 people have completed the course to present. The two-day training course for disconnection advisors focuses mainly on preparing a good disconnection plan and good communication disconnection with residents. A list of disconnection advisors and contractors that attended this course is available on the VLARIO website. The intention is to also work on commercial information pertaining to disconnection technology and products on the VLARIO website. Finally, reference was made to the waterway indicator and further information about this issue on the site of VMM. 

Sectional redevelopment as per water sales regulations: what does this mean for the city and its inhabitants?

By Raf Bellers, Director at RioBra

Raf Bellers outlined the water sales regulations. He looked into more detail at sectional redevelopment, integral water invoices, access to and information to customers, complaints procedures and reporting. The installation of private drainage is a matter for customers, but the operator is responsible for inspection. Following tests on 250 new homes RioBra found that approximately 45% were not in compliance, with mixed connection points being the most common error encountered. A pilot project has been launched to ascertain whether purification is done correctly, if the water ladder (see above) is being respected and current planning regulations are being adhered to. The project runs with external inspectors; of the 219 inspections conducted 39% seem not to be in order. Most striking results:

-        External paved surfaces connected to DWA (33%)

-        No draining point to rainwater well (31%)

-        Rainwater overflow not properly connected to infiltration provisions (20%)

-        Drains connected to the DWA (14%)

-        Not all rainwater pipes were connected to rainwater wells or infiltration (13%)

With the topic of integrated water invoices it was noted that customers demand more details about the split: water supply, municipal and supra-municipal sanitation fees.

The Water Sales Regulations also contain procedures on how to deal with complaints within strict deadlines and how reporting procedures.

20 years of sewer mapping in Flanders.

By Boudewijn van de Steene, commercial director at Aquafin

Boudewijn van de Steene outlined the situation as it used to be, he reported on the current state of affairs and he looked at future developments and integrations in the maps.  The Hydronaut concept dates back to the Nineties. The new Flemish Development Code of 1996 required further development.

Up to present approximately 70% of Flanders has been mapped. According to the Hydronaut procedure the investment requirements with the current situation is determined in detail and mapping of existing conditions and planned situations are implemented. The installation of a new collector or finding solutions to current problems can both lead to a Hydronaut study. The Hydronaut procedure itself also underwent changes and additions. This provided the ability to provide continuous flow measurement, data verification was introduced, different planning horizons are included - known as C, D and E states - and a vision plan was developed for RWA. Paved surfaces were also improved due to the integration of GIS applications. The maps themselves became more sophisticated and user-friendly.

Looking to the future, Boudewijn van de Steene said that he sees further developments as the maps take on increased social importance. Usage and control outlines were also drawn up to ensure that the design is based on practical usage. The quality of map users is also being worked on through training provided by VLARIO. The broader framework of integrated water management will also be looked at in more detail. The revision of the code of good design and maintenance also require feedback in the Hydronaut procedure. Software development is also not left out of the picture: InfoNet becomes the new sewer database, GIS provides new opportunities and new drainage maps are becoming available for RWA calculations. Technical documents will provide more precise information and hardware is adapted as per requirements. Thus, in future extended time series simulations will become available for detailed mapping in addition to the standard composite rainfall.

In the somewhat distant future Boudewijn van de Steene foresees deployment of real-time control (RTC) so that action can be taken in real time. Radar rainfall detection, not only in large-scale (e.g. river mapping) but also at local level, will commence for sewer mapping. Conceptual mapping (e.g. Cistern maps) could be used for scenario selection and optimisation. 2D flood maps can also become available as an additional tool. Sewer mapping will be integrated with river mapping, focusing on interaction between the two. The topic of water quality mapping will be taken up again later on. Sewer mapping will also be integrated with structural analysis, energy optimisation and life-cycle analysis.

Conclusion: we have come a long way since 1991. Cost savings have been achieved through a higher degree of map accuracy and through procedures established. Data and information management showed strong evolution. In the future we can look forward to real time control applications, more accurate predictions and integration with other software and related applications.

VLARIO 20th anniversary - discussions with a few stakeholders: panel opinions coached by Lode Roels.

Hubert Decramer: Looking at the past and the establishment of VLARIO it was clear that only through organised consultation real progress could be made in the sewer sector in Flanders.  To confirm this you need not look beyond the discussions around the editions of Standard Specifications 250. That is an appropriate approach, which is repeatedly confirmed by the response to VLARIO days.

Professor Jean Berlamont: The achievements of VLARIO are very diverse. VLARIO has provided a helping hand: choice of databases, calculation methods, urban development regulations, advice, answers to sewer problems, specifications, training, inspection, etc. For him the eight working groups are the pillars of VLARIO. All parties are presented with the opportunity to contribute: politicians, suppliers, manufacturers, designers.  This allows everyone to collaborate and establish an anticipative approach. A high degree of efficiency is thereby achieved, despite the fact that VLARIO has up to 20% less resources than the RIONED Foundation, for instance. The working groups have also contributed to social awareness regarding what we are allowed to do and what not. 

Jean Pierre Mathijs and Wim Van Gils: Looking to the future and potential problems there are still plenty of challenges ahead. Further integration between sewage and water treatment: Synergy between local and supra-municipalities. Municipalities are still lagging a little behind. Who will be doing what in area covering implementation plans and rainwater aspects will require more attention. In terms of funding VLARIO has done a good job so far, but it does not end there: maintenance and replacement investment also require attention.  Financing will have to be revised, especially where subsidies are concerned (rather than investment or purification funds). How do we intend to approach the next 20 years in a structural fashion when there are no more subsidies available, especially considering that subsidies are not a right, but goodwill? Funding would have to follow the schedule, not vice versa. How to deal with climate change issues: aspects include recycling, buffering and infiltration. The new draft urban planning regulations must be ratified as law and become enforceable. Sustainability must also be considered. Sewer systems must have a life span of at least 75 years, which requires more attention in design, materials and execution.

Conclusions and recommendations by Wendy Francken, director of VLARIO

Wendy Francken said that VLARIO must raise the bar even higher to ensure that further continuity and quality can be achieved. VLARIO intends to strengthen the resolve to become a knowledge centre in the sewerage industry. The first step is the signing of three cooperation agreements with foreign knowledge centres (see above). A newly recruited force, Francis Poelemans, will help to steer the ship and VLARIO will also collaborate in the implementation of projects. One such project has already commenced where energy is to be harvested from waste water. A feasibility study, a concrete project and the legal side of things will be taken into consideration. VLARIO wants to be a partner in the inspection of private sewer systems with the reports and inventories required (e.g. rainwater wells). VLARIO also wants to be active in supporting sewerage management and the methodology for measurements and testing.

VLARIO wants to cooperate with problems outlined by the panel and to seek solutions in order to get everyone to work on the same goal. Adaptation of the subsidy system. Linking result commitments and budget to the concept of sewerage is very challenging. Alternative funding sources are to be approached, e.g. rainwater levies. Spending of the budget must also be better supervised and sustainability deserves higher priority. Efficient results can also be guaranteed through benchmarking and budgetary comparisons with other countries.  The implementation plans for entire areas must quickly become available to sewer controllers. We require ambitious targets, maximum operational freedom and resources. Implementation of the code of good maintenance is another priority.

VLARIO also calls for uniformity and clarity through standard documents for specifications and implementation by different operators.

VLARIO wants to play a leading role in all these aspects and act as a sounding board between theory and practice.

Following these presentations the 20th anniversary of VLARIO was toasted. A working lunch was held, where contacts were made between participants and exhibitors and opinions were exchanged on the prior statements.

For more photos about VLARIO Day and information about the exhibitors, see www.vlario.be  à activitiesà VLARIO Day 2011