Environmentally Friendly Redevelopment of the Maas Riverbanks
In our municipality, Rijkswaterstaat has completed the "de-paving" of several riverbanks. This involves three small sections near Appeltern, Maasbommel Alphen. The work was carried out in accordance with the objectives of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) to improve ecological water quality. The WFD measures will continue through 2027.
What has been done?
Along all sections of the riverbank, the stone embankment has been removed up to 1 meter below the waterline. This allows natural processes such as erosion and siltation to resume in these areas as well. Gradually, a riverbank with shallow water and small river beaches is forming. This creates a more attractive habitat for aquatic plants, fish, and small aquatic animals (macrofauna) that are native to the Meuse. See the map of the stone removal sites in the downloads section for the locations.
On the Road to 2027
Ensuring good ecological water quality is an important task for Rijkswaterstaat under the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). This applies to all surface waters, including the Meuse River. 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 proved detrimental to aquatic life. Rijkswaterstaat is therefore implementing ecological restoration measures along the entire river in collaboration with other parties. As part of this effort, the riverbank sections Over de Maas, Alphen Maasbommel in our municipality have already Maasbommel . A riverbank channel Maasbommel constructed near Maasbommel .
The WFD project will continue through 2027. Over the coming years, engineering firm Arcadis will carry out a planning study on behalf of Rijkswaterstaat for the remaining work on nature-friendly banks, channels, floodplain excavations, and various stream mouths. The project area extends from Eijsden in South Limburg to the A27 near Keizersveer. Measures are still being planned for our municipality. The measures that are feasible are grouped into work packages and then put out to tender by Rijkswaterstaat.
Want to know more?
Visit www.rws.nl/maasoevers or , or call the Rijkswaterstaat public information line toll-free at 0800 8002.