Like many watercourses in the Machland, the Arbingerbach resembles an artificially created canal with manageable biological diversity. That is about to change: the Machland Water Association is currently restoring the strictly regulated creek to a near-natural state over a length of about half a kilometer. This renaturation is based on the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive. This provides for the achievement of a good ecological status on the watercourses.
For this purpose, the watercourse will be widened by five to nine meters on its western side. This creates a winding to curved low and medium water channel within the straightened river tube. The result: Different flow speeds on the inside and outside of the bends as well as different water depths offer additional habitat for aquatic animals.
Diverse stream created
In order to achieve this, so-called structural elements made of different materials are installed in addition to widening the course of the stream. This is how fords and eddy zones are formed, which bring about a significant improvement in the water habitat at low or medium water levels. By building a sand trap at the beginning of the renaturation section, unwanted sediment deposits can be largely avoided. “Ripside trees will be planted in the area of the middle water stop line this year,” outlined construction manager Sabrina Gallistl at a construction meeting with foreman Klaus Grafeneder, Benjamin Traxler (water association), Alois Pointner (Machland business park), head of department Elisabeth Fürholzer and mayor Hermine Leitner.
Due to the proximity to the village of Arbing, it is planned to use the renatured stream as a local recreation area and excursion destination for teaching water and plant ecology. For this purpose, at the request of the municipality, rest areas are created by the water with seating. The construction work is currently progressing quite quickly. The end of the work is targeted for the end of this month. The planting of the riparian trees is planned for November.
Source: Nachrichten
