The city provides centralized wastewater services to about 13,248 thousand residents, private and state institutions of the city in the amount of 987 people, and also serves a preschool institution, private enterprises that are part of the Rozvadivskaya AH in the amount of 950 people. The main buildings and networks were built in the 80s of the last century. The existing treatment facilities are designed for full biological treatment of a mixture of household and industrial wastewater in the amount of 4,000 m3 per day. Wastewater through the city's household wastewater network enters the sewage pumping station, from where it is pumped to the treatment facilities. The treated wastewater is discharged into the Dniester River. The existing treatment facilities include: a sewage pumping station of the 2nd lift, a sand trap with a grate (2 pcs.), a distribution chamber, a block of primary and secondary settling tanks with aeration tanks, bio-ponds, a production building where the blower, panel, and household premises are located. The reconstruction of the treatment facilities consists of using a block of tanks, sludge digesters, and primary settling tanks with the addition of a hybrid reactor and lagoon to them. This project is aimed at solving the existing problem of environmental pollution, low quality of housing and communal services in terms of water drainage. The existing treatment facilities are not able to perform mechanical neutralization of wastewater. Currently, all units, blocks, equipment, technical lines that are part of the existing sewage facilities are in unsatisfactory technical condition, which cannot provide biological and mechanical treatment in full according to the design regime, which is a violation of Article 44. (clause 3.6.) of the Water Code of Ukraine. This problem negatively affects the quality of life of all residents of the city and nearby villages, namely 19,956 people. The problem is permanent and will not disappear in the near future without the implementation of certain measures for the improvement of the city of Mykolaiv, namely the modernization of existing treatment facilities and improvement of the quality of treated wastewater.

Key issues to be addressed by the project Outdated technical condition of wastewater treatment facilities The main technological elements and equipment have reached the end of their service life and do not provide the required level of wastewater treatment. High degree of physical wear (70–80%) leads to frequent breakdowns and increased operating costs. Non-compliance with modern environmental standards Treatment facilities do not provide wastewater treatment to a level that meets the current standards of Ukraine and EU directives. Untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater enters water bodies, in particular the Dniester River, deteriorating the quality of drinking water. High energy costs and inefficiency of the system Old pumping and aeration equipment consumes excessive amounts of electricity, which increases the financial burden on the local budget. Increased environmental risk for the population The release of untreated wastewater into the environment creates a risk of soil and aquifer contamination and threatens the health of community residents. Relevance of the problem The growth in the volume of wastewater due to the development of the city exceeds the design capacity of existing facilities. The lack of modernization for decades has led to a critical decrease in the efficiency of treatment. Ukraine has undertaken to bring environmental standards closer to EU requirements, so reconstruction is necessary to implement state strategies for sustainable development. Possible consequences if the problems are not resolved Further pollution of the Dniester River, which is a source of drinking water for several settlements. Deterioration of the sanitary and epidemiological situation, increased morbidity of the population. Increased financial costs due to accidents, fines and increased costs of repairing outdated equipment. Decrease in the investment attractiveness of the region due to deterioration of environmental conditions. Expected positive changes after project implementation Ensuring stable and high-quality wastewater treatment in accordance with environmental standards. Improving the ecological condition of the Dniester River and adjacent territories. Reducing energy consumption by 30–40% thanks to new equipment. Improving the safety and quality of life of the community population. Compliance with European environmental protection standards, promoting sustainable development of the community.