Kvarnbäcken is a stormwater solution that the municipality of Boden has created in a broad collaboration across several administrations. The site is centrally located in the city of Boden and is also a nice area to visit and enjoy for those who live and work in Boden.
The new stormwater solution at Kvarnbäcken adds both form and function to the center of Boden. It is now facing its first summer after completion. This work has been ongoing for some time and has been complemented by the expertise of several municipal administrations. Björknäsgymnasiet’s construction and civil engineering program has also contributed to the overall experience that cleans Boden’s stormwater. The project has received funding from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
What is stormwater?
Stormwater is water that can temporarily flow in large quantities on the ground surface. Most often it is rain or meltwater from roofs, streets and parking lots. It can also come from the ground when groundwater temporarily seeps up.
Climate change, increased precipitation and a growing city meet in the Kvarnbäcken project smart solutions that also contribute to an attractive place to live.
It is mainly the municipality of Boden’s stormwater group that has worked on the project with representatives from physical planning, park, street, VA (water and sewage) and environment and construction.
In short, the new stormwater solution that has been created is about treating stormwater and relieving existing stormwater in the center that cannot be captured naturally.
Multiple functions
The location at the popular recreational area Kvarnängen has been chosen to also promote educational, aesthetic and recreational values.
The treatment takes place in different stages that remove heavy metals and nutrients from the water.
The facility consists of a pre-sedimentation pond and subsequent so-called slump ditches.
The level of the pre-settlement pond is controlled and leads the water on to the flood ditch.
A floodplain has been created with stepping stones where children can play, but which also slows down the water.
Over the stream, Björknäsgymnasiet’s construction program has created a bridge for visitors who want to enjoy the place.
The plant is lined with meadow plants and beach mats that both contribute to the purification and are beautiful to look at.
Hear more in the video below, where Emilia Björkemyr, environmental strategist at the municipality of Boden, explains the function of Kvarnbäcken:
Read more examples of the municipality of Boden’s environmental work here.
Photo and video: KOMM/Municipality of Boden
