Company Announcement - Nereda®, the sewage and wastewater treatment technology developed by the world-renowned Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands in conjunction with Royal HaskoningDHV and Dutch water boards, is being implemented at the Hartebeestfontein Wastewater Treatment Works by WEC Projects (Pty) Ltd. Nereda® is an aerobic granular sludge technology that purifies wastewater by controlling the growth and formation of microorganisms. Currently plants are in operation or under construction all over the world, including Gaansbaai and Wemmershoek.

Johannesburg-based WEC Projects, one of the country’s foremost developers of bulk water & wastewater treatment solutions, biogas to energy solutions as well as an expert supplier of packaged modular water and wastewater treatment systems; responded to a tender issued by ERWAT (East Rand Water Care Association). The tender was aimed at improving the capacity of the Hartebeestfontein WWTW by 5ML/day.

The WEC Projects/Nereda® solution included utilizing the redundant thickener and phostrip tanks that had been decommissioned during a reconfiguration of the main plant a few years ago. The plant is located in close proximity to the ERWAT head office on the R25. "When this project came out on tender, we immediately recognized that it would be an excellent match for the Nereda® technology. The advantages of being able to use the existing infrastructure added much value to the client" said Graham Hartlett, Sales and Marketing Manager of WEC Projects. After a thorough adjudication process, WEC Projects was awarded the capacity improvement project.
Nereda® technology can be deployed on a smaller footprint. Capital and operational costs are also big factors to consider.

According to the Nereda® Global Director, Rene Noppeney; “Aerobic granule treatment represents the next level in the evolution of water treatment technology. The great benefit of Nereda® is that it is proven in practice in South Africa. " "The first implementation of Nereda® in Gauteng is the perfect opportunity to showcase this award-winning technology and WEC Projects is excited at the prospect," concluded Hartlett.