Seasonal wastewater treatment for christmas season
Hätälä Oy manages seasonal wastewater efficiently with a modular pretreatment solution. Finland’s leading fish producer ensures responsible and cost-effective water management at its remote lutefisk production site in Himanka, where traditional infrastructure is not feasible. Container-based cleantech supports short-term use and delivers high-level impurity removal during the busy Christmas season.
Site description
A seasonal fish production site by the small harbour required a flexible wastewater pretreatment solution to manage high temporary loads during Christmas production. The location was remote, and permanent infrastructure was not feasible. A modular solution was needed to ensure fast deployment, reliable performance, and environmental compliance during the short operating period.
- Operating season from October to November
- Wastewater treated up to 950 m³/season
- Sludge generated up to 15 m³/season
Project highligts
- Who – A seasonal fish production site operating with short-term, high-load demand
- What – A modular wastewater pretreatment plant with automated operation and expert service
- Where – Remote location in Finland without fixed infrastructure
- When – Yearly from 2019 during lutefisk production season
- Why – To treat wastewater efficiently during peak seasonal production, avoid overloading the municipal system, and ensure compliant discharge using a compact, containerised system with remote support.


The challenge
The Himanka site is active only from October to November to meet the high demand for lutefisk production. Wastewater treatment was needed, but the location and usage brought unique challenges:
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Remote site with no access to fixed infrastructure
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Seasonal need only, not in year-round operation
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No ongoing local maintenance available
The solution
Owatec deliveres yearly a modular water treatment plant designed specifically for temporary and remote use:
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Modular technology with automation
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Expert process operation
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Remote monitoring with Owatec Eye
The containerized units were delivered on the same day the production began and remained in use until the season ended.
Customer BenefitS
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High removal of impurities: solids 96%, COD 31%, BOD 66%, phosphorus 93%
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No need for permanent investments or site modifications
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Enables environmentally responsible seasonal production
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Reliable, low-effort operation in a challenging location
