The aim of the project is to improve water quality through separation of rainwater from sewage water, and in that way reduce storm water runoff in the sewer system. Sustainable techniques, such as no-dig techniques and source control measures for rainwater disconnection will be used.

Noris has four concrete aims. The first aim is to introduce modern sustainable technologies in the area of rainwater disconnection. Secondly, the project is targeted at testing and adapting technologies developed in pilot projects. In the third place, the awareness and understanding of sustainable planning and management of rainwater runoff will be improved, both among spatial planners and politicians. Finally, the project aims to produce an Inspiration Book, to be spread amongst spatial planners.

Expected Outcomes

Measures taken within NORIS will prevent rain from entering into sewers. As a result, the quality of water as a natural resource is improved. Sustainable (waste) water management will also improve the quality of life for citizens that are affected by the problems identified. As a result, a practical guidebook with ?Ten do?s and don?ts? will be produced and included in an Inspiration Book.

Activities

Five pilot projects will be carried out, all involving adaptation of existing sewage systems to new methodologies. A sustainability assessment will accompany each pilot project. These projects are: - Skövde (S) will renew an existing sewage pipeline by using a no-dig, two-in-one technique; - Bradford (UK) will research the best ways of improving an existing ?mixed rainwater?-situation, relating the solutions to downstream waters and treatment plants as well; - Hanover (D) will transform the combined sewer system in the district of Linden to a separate sewer system; - Wieringerwerf (NL) will disconnect rainwater runoff to reduce combined sewer overflows, integrating the extensive digging works needed with planned reconstruction of renovation works; - Ieper (B) will separate rainwater and waste water in order to improve biodiversity, recreation and drinking water quality, using no-dig techniques from the Skövde project. Five Work Packages cross these pilot projects horizontally. The first three packages focus on technological innovation (e.g. filtration, no-dig techniques), environmental impact and sustainability. The other two are aimed at transnational exchange between the partners and at dissemination to both spatial planners and a general audience. Each Work Package will be lead by one of the partners.

Reported Outcomes

The aim of the project is to improve water quality through separation of rainwater from sewage water, and in that way reduce storm water run off in the sewer system. Sustainable techniques, such as no-dig techniques and source control measures for rainwater disconnection will be used. NORIS has investigated five pilot projects, uniting the expertise of seven partner organisations from five different countries. Each project have followed the same basic framework, allowing for the swift interchange of ideas and advice between participants. Firstly, feasibility studies were carried out in order to discover the best approach for each designated area. In the City of Hanover, Germany, for example, innovative filtration systems was being investigated. Meanwhile in Skövde, Sweden, new pipe relining methods was under consideration. Here, a two-in-one pipe was inserted into existing sewers allowing for the separation of run-off and wastewater. A first test of this TopCote-liner system has already proved successful in Tidan, Sweden. The next step was to separate rainwater from wastewater using a NoDig technique that avoids large-scale excavation, limiting disturbance to road traffic. On starting each project, impact and sustainability assessments were carried out continuously. Evaluation criteria took into account social and environmental factors. Conclusions drawn from this monitoring will be published in a Sustainability Guidebook and discussed at national and international roundtables, planned for 2006 and 2007. In addition, a common database is under construction, which will incorporate data from all NORIS projects and will range from broad issues of governance and finance to detailed technical processes.