New wastewater treatment plant secures Boden’s continued growth

The existing treatment plant in Svedjan has for a long time struggled to cope with current loads. In practice, capacity is around 20,000 population equivalents, while the permit allows for up to 30,000. Today, there is very limited room for additional load.

“Large parts of our system were built in the 1960s and 1970s. If Boden is to continue to grow, build housing and welcome new residents and businesses, fundamental public infrastructure must function properly. Wastewater treatment is one such critical function,” says Thomas Sundqvist, Head of Development at the Municipality of Boden.

Doubled capacity and stricter environmental requirements

By constructing a new process building directly adjacent to the existing treatment plant, capacity will increase to approximately 40,000 population equivalents. At the same time, the project creates long-term conditions to meet both current and future treatment standards.

The new facility is being built with a technical lifespan of approximately 100 years, making it an investment that extends far beyond today’s immediate needs.

“This is not a short-term solution. It is about building robust and sustainable infrastructure for future generations of people living in Boden,” says Thomas Sundqvist.

Construction start in 2026 – completion in 2027

Skanska has signed a contract with the Municipality of Boden to deliver the project as a design-and-build contract in extended collaboration. The production phase includes a new process building of approximately 2,600 square metres, equipped with advanced process and mechanical systems.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with completion and final inspection planned for autumn 2027. The total investment for the project, including design and preparatory works, amounts to approximately SEK 415 million.

Part of a broader upgrade of Boden’s water and wastewater systems

The expansion of the Svedjan wastewater treatment plant is part of a broader, ongoing effort to strengthen Boden’s water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes both new facilities and upgrades to existing pipeline networks, in order to meet higher environmental standards, address climate impacts and support a growing municipality.

These investments also entail increased costs for the water and wastewater services – a challenge shared by many municipalities across Sweden.

“The development and renewal of water and wastewater systems is one of the major infrastructure challenges facing municipalities in Sweden today. Boden is no exception. We face the same needs as many other municipalities, while at the same time experiencing rapid growth,” says Carl Bernin Ortwed, Head of Water and Waste Management at the Municipality of Boden.

Water and wastewater services in Boden are fully financed through user fees, not through tax revenues. This means that investments and reinvestments must be managed responsibly and with a long-term perspective, taking into account both present and future needs.

“We understand that questions about fees generate strong interest. At the same time, it is important to remember why these investments are being made. They are necessary to comply with legislation, protect the environment and ensure that Boden can continue to develop as an attractive place to live and work,” says Thomas Sundqvist.

* Population equivalent (PE) is a standard measure used to estimate the pollution load of wastewater, where one PE corresponds to the average amount of organic material discharged by one person per day.