The Long-Standing Challenge of the Sewage Pipeline in Varna Lake
The ongoing issue surrounding the sewage pipeline in Varna Lake, which has hindered the deepening project for the port, is starting to see some resolution. In an effort to rectify a mistake that led to a malfunction four years ago and has already cost over 30 million leva, a new attempt to bury the pipeline began on Wednesday. The work is set to continue until the end of the year.
Resolution of Wastewater Transport Issues
The installation of a new pipeline in Varna Lake aims to finally address the challenges of safely transporting wastewater. Over the years, there have been numerous incidents involving the bursting of the pipeline and the subsequent leakage of sewage, as noted by the city’s mayor, Blagomir Kocev, in a statement released by the municipality’s press office. He emphasized that this time, the new pipeline will be of a higher standard, buried deeper, and better protected against mechanical damage.
Historical Context of the Pipeline
The original pipeline was laid along the lakebed in 2009, costing 10 million leva at that time. The current efforts to correct the earlier oversight, which involved not burying the pipeline properly, are expected to amount to around 22 million leva. This means the overall costs for the project have now doubled, and the additional expenses will be covered by the state budget.
Incidents and Consequences
What caused such significant issues with a single pipeline? Between 2019 and 2020, the pipeline was damaged by anchors from an unidentified vessel, leading to a discharge of wastewater into the lake. It became clear that when the pipeline was originally installed in 2009, it should have been buried beneath the lakebed; instead, it was placed on top without adequate protection against potential incidents. For this incomplete work, approximately 10 million leva was paid, with a significant portion funded through the ISPA program. The construction was carried out by a Greek company selected through a public tender.
Current Developments and Future Plans
The purpose of the pipeline is to carry wastewater from several neighborhoods and resort areas in Varna. While the local authorities at the time (with Ivan Portnih from GERB serving as mayor) were left to address the malfunctioning facility, a new project commenced in 2020 under the state enterprise “Port Infrastructure” (DPP), aimed at deepening channels 1 and 2 of the Varna port to accommodate larger ships. This project, valued at over 400 million leva, was later revealed to be executed through an in-house contract, where DPP assigned the work to the state enterprise “Transport Construction and Restoration” (TSV), which in turn subcontracted the tasks.
During the dredging operations, the problematic pipeline was repaired, yet it remains on the lakebed. For several years, various institutions have been debating the funding sources for its proper burial. By 2023, it became apparent that the pipeline was obstructing the completion of the port channel deepening. Former Transport Minister Hristo Alexiev announced to lawmakers that the ministry was actively communicating with the Varna municipality, suggesting that the municipality should assume financial responsibility while DPP would conduct the burial work, ensuring effective use of the allocated funds. Shortly thereafter, however, the municipality decided to seek financial support from the Ministry of Regional Development (MRRD).
Recent Initiatives
By the end of 2023, a public tender was announced for selecting a contractor for the new burial of the pipeline. This marks a significant step towards resolving the long-standing issues related to the sewage pipeline and facilitating the necessary improvements to the port infrastructure.
New Developments in Pipeline Replacement Project
In April of this year, a significant update arose regarding the pipeline situation, as it was confirmed that the necessary activities are now part of a new municipal project list tied to the state budget.
Costly New Activities
The mayor of Varna announced on Wednesday that the new operations will incur costs of approximately 22 million Bulgarian levs. This project aims to replace around 820 meters of pipeline. The new piping has already been delivered and is currently being welded on-site. It is made from high-density polyethylene, which boasts mechanical properties that are far superior to those of the existing, failing pipeline.
Project Implementation and Details
Engineer Iliya Stoychev, manager of diving operations at the contracting company “Hydrorepair IG” Ltd., reported that efforts to identify the locations where the compromised pipeline needs to be detached have commenced. Preparations are underway for connecting the new pipeline section. The new pipeline, with a diameter of 500 mm, will be installed 22 meters below water level and buried 4 meters beneath the lakebed. An additional backfill will be applied over the installation to prevent any future compromises, unlike previous incidents.
Additional Protective Measures
Mayor Kocev explained that the facility will be protected with extra coverings in specific areas, including mounds and concrete forms, to safeguard it from passing vessels. Excavation work at the bottom of the lake, within the navigational channel of Canal 1, began early in August. To date, about 24,000 to 25,000 cubic meters have been dredged, which accounts for approximately one-third of the underwater excavation, totaling 76,000 cubic meters. The project employs around 60 personnel from ground, marine, and underwater teams.
Project Timeline
The entire project is expected to last about eight months, with the company anticipating that 80% of the work will be completed by the end of 2024.
Former Mayor Under Investigation
The former mayor of Varna, Ivan Portnih, has faced accusations of negligence due to the pipeline failure and subsequent lake contamination. An investigation was initiated by the Varna District Prosecutor’s Office in June 2020, which revealed evidence of document fraud aimed at misappropriating EU funds, abuse of office, negligence, and environmental crimes. Charges were formally filed at the end of 2022. Recent reports indicate that the local district court has returned the indictment to the prosecutor’s office for a second time. The media notes that the then-environment minister, Djevdet Chakurov, is primarily responsible for the initial commissioning and (non)execution of the project. Two technical personnel also face charges, with their materials submitted to the administration of the European delegated prosecutors.
