Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
The method is employed to make sure that sewers and rainwater drains stay separate
Valmiera’s official portal reported this week on the results of an interesting test campaign that has been evolving since January – using a smoke method to find out if rainwaters are being discharged into the sewers in residential homes. The initial campaign in the Latvian town showed that out of 386 inspected properties, 45 had such infractions, in other words, every 8th house.
The operation was carried out by the local water supply company Valmieras ūdens, and the owners whose water drainage systems were found to be irregular have been duly notified with a notice to rectify the situation.
Some readers might wonder what the big deal is to discharge rainwater in the city sewer system, and yet others might even be surprised that the two flows are managed by different pipe networks and do not end up in the same place.
The difference is that rainwater comes from nature and is meant to return there without treatments, meaning it is led back to streams and rivers. Water that has been used for domestic purposes is often contaminated with impurities after operations, such as cleaning and consequently goes through treatment stations. Adding rainwater to the sewers poses the risk of overburdening them and consequently causing them to overflow and create floods on the streets – that is why the two are kept separate.
The way the test itself worked was by placing a smoke generator inside the pipes and see where it comes out of the drains. The officials assured that the smoke itself was harmless to the environment and humans.
The property owners where the infractions have been detected will have to take steps to disconnect the rainwater drains from the centralized sewer system. If it is not considered possible the water supply company has said that owners can request paid services for rainwater drainage and treatment.
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass
Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape
The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital