NURSECOAST-II addressed the challenge of wastewater treatment in tourist areas around the Baltic Sea, where strong seasonal variations can put significant pressure on small and decentralised treatment systems.
Every summer, millions of visitors arrive at Baltic Sea beaches and coastal communities. Small wastewater treatment systems - built for year-round residents - can face loads far beyond their designed capacity during peak season.
Peak tourist season can push wastewater volumes 10-12 times above winter levels. Small, decentralised treatment plants were not designed for this kind of fluctuation.
Undertreated wastewater releases excess nutrients into the Baltic Sea - contributing to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and threats to coastal ecosystems and public health.
Wastewater infrastructure in coastal tourist areas is typically planned for permanent residents, not summer peaks. This structural mismatch is shared by communities across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Poland and Germany.
NURSECOAST-II piloted a range of nature-based and innovative technological solutions across the region, testing what works under real seasonal conditions - and making those findings available to others facing the same challenge.
Through pilot activities in different Baltic Sea countries, NURSECOAST-II explored ways to improve wastewater treatment efficiency, nutrient removal and resource recovery, while reducing environmental impacts.
The project developed, tested and evaluated nature-based and innovative technological solutions adapted to seasonal conditions. Pilot solutions included nanobubble aeration technology and constructed wetlands for nature-based wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery.
The project also supported the reuse of treated wastewater and nutrients, and contributed to more sustainable and resilient wastewater management in coastal and rural areas.
By combining practical testing, monitoring and knowledge exchange between partners, the project provided experience and solutions that can be adapted and transferred to other tourist destinations and small communities across the Baltic Sea Region.
This document aims to provide clear, practical and easy-to-understand information to support decision-making in areas with seasonal population changes. It is based on results from the pilot studies, practical experiences and Sanitation Safety Planning (SSP) risk assessments conducted in different Baltic Sea countries.
Read moreLCA and environmental analyses supported the evaluation of the tested solutions, going beyond treatment performance to assess full environmental impact.
Read moreSocial factors research and economic analysis inform decision-making for municipalities, operators and investors considering similar solutions.
Read moreThe Business Models Hub translates the project work on business barriers and incentives into a practical investment and replication guide. It supports municipalities, water utilities, tourism-oriented site owners, investors and technology providers in selecting, financing and implementing small or decentralised wastewater treatment solutions adapted to seasonal tourist regions.
Read moreProject findings support four key recommendations for policymakers working on wastewater management in seasonal tourist destinations across the Baltic Sea Region. Read more →
Intensify monitoring, harmonise data collection at national and EU level, and establish a national database capturing performance and seasonal load data.
Support technologies that enable process intensification during peak seasons and stable, efficient operation during low-load periods.
Promote low-maintenance solutions, especially in tourist areas and rural contexts, supported by simple operational guidance.
Embed streamlined LCA screening in procurement and technology selection for small-scale wastewater treatment projects.
Visit the project page for publications, pilot reports, the Business Models Hub and all project outputs.
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