Redesigning the banks of the Meuse to be more environmentally friendly
In our municipality, Rijkswaterstaat has completed the "de-stoning" of various riverbanks. This concerns three small sections near Appeltern, Maasbommel, and Alphen. This was done in accordance with the objectives of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) to improve ecological water quality. The WFD measures will continue until 2027.
What has been done?
The stone embankment has been removed up to 1 meter below the waterline on all sections of the riverbank. This allows natural processes such as erosion and silting to resume. Gradually, a bank with shallow water and river beaches is being created. This is a more attractive habitat for aquatic plants, fish, and small aquatic animals (macrofauna) that belong in the Meuse. See the map of stone removal in the downloads for the locations.
On the way to 2027
Ensuring good ecological water quality is an important task for Rijkswaterstaat (the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) according to the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). This applies to all surface waters, including the Meuse. Over the past 150 years, the Meuse has taken on a strongly canal-like character. This is due to the construction of weirs, the cutting off of meanders, and the reinforcement of the banks with stone. This has not been beneficial for aquatic life. Rijkswaterstaat is therefore working with other parties to implement ecological restoration measures along the entire river . As part of this, the banks of the Meuse at Over de Maas, Alphen, and Maasbommel in our municipality have already been redesigned. A bank channel was constructed at Maasbommel.
The WFD task will continue until 2027. In the coming years, engineering firm Arcadis will carry out the planning study for the remaining task of nature-friendly banks, channels, floodplain excavations, and various stream mouths on behalf of Rijkswaterstaat. The work area extends from Eijsden in South Limburg to the A27 motorway near Keizersveer. Measures are still being planned for our municipality. The measures that are feasible are grouped into work packages and then put on the market by Rijkswaterstaat.
Want to know more?
Visit www.rws.nl/maasoevers or call the Rijkswaterstaat public information line toll-free: 0800 8002.