Tag Archive for: #damremovaleurope

6 obstacles removed and more than 26 kilometres of rivers reconnected

This summer, and particularly since September, 26 kilometres of French rivers have been reconnected upstream thanks to six weir‑removal projects supported by ERN and (co)funded by the Open Rivers Programme. On the occasion of #DamRemovalDay, here is an update on these projects:

– The Souvigne (Corrèze): This is a major project underway on this tributary of the Dordogne: the removal of the Moulin Bas weir, an imposing structure 1.7 metres high and 12 metres wide. The works, led by the SMDMCA, will be completed this autumn. La Souvigne, listed in categories 1 and 2, is the last significant tributary of the Dordogne before the Sablier dam. Restoring this river is crucial for Atlantic salmon. Six additional upstream structures will also be improved, ultimately reopening nearly 27 kilometres of river on the Souvigne and its tributaries. More info

© SMDMCA, Moulin-Bas weir (september 2026)

– The Gave d’Azun (Hautes‑Pyrénées): Reopening this river, listed in categories 1 and 2, is a major objective for ensuring the success of the “salmon” recovery plan in the Gave de Pau basin. Two downstream obstacles on the Gave d’Azun are currently being removed: the Pont de Sailhet weir, led by the municipality of Argelès‑Gazost, and the fish‑farm weir, led by the Hautes‑Pyrénées Fishing Federation. In total, 11 kilometres of main river will be made accessible on the Gave d’Azun as part of a coordinated operation that also includes improvements to additional upstream structures. Work on the two weirs is scheduled to be completed during November. More info

© ECOGEA, Seuil du Pont de Sailhet et seuil de la pisciculture sur le Gave d’Azun avant travaux

– The Daronne (Ardèche): The Sibila ford is a submersible road structure made up of eleven concrete culverts, located about 100 metres upstream from the confluence of the Doux and the Daronne. It is a priority structure under the Rhône–Mediterranean basin Eel Management Plan, on a river classified as a biological reservoir. The structure is currently being demolished under the project management of the SMBVD. A temporary road has been put in place for the duration of the works, and a new bridge is now under construction to maintain road access. More info.

 

© SMBVD

–Le Lignon (Haute‑Loire): The Eyres weir on the Lignon was dismantled under the direction of SISMAE in July, after verifying the presence of the freshwater pearl mussel in the work area and taking all necessary precautions. Located in the heart of the Natura 2000 site “Haute Vallée du Lignon du Velay”, this disused weir created a 1.40‑metre drop and degraded habitats for sensitive clear‑water species such as trout and the freshwater pearl mussel. The restoration has reopened 10.5 km of free‑flowing river in a single continuous stretch on this section. More info.

© SISMAE

-The Branugues (Cantal): About 800 metres upstream from its confluence with the Cère, ecological continuity on the Branugues stream was blocked by the Batitan weir. This stream, classified as a biological reservoir and already the focus of several restoration actions, is identified as a favourable spawning area for trout. Removing the weir will reopen more than 9 kilometres of river within a Natura 2000 site, restoring continuity along 87% of the stream. The works, carried out by the SMDMCA, are due to be completed in the coming days. More information.

© SMDMCA

-The Boivre (Vienne): Seven small structures will be removed by the end of 2027 on the Boivre to restore the headwater sector of this tributary, classified in List 1. The first works began this summer with the breaching of the Moulin de l’Étang dam. The two branches leading to the Boivre’s two sources will be fully restored in 2027, once the pond sediments have dried. This operation is led by the SCA and will continue over the coming years. More information

© SCA

*Dam Removal Day : is an annual celebration of free-flowing rivers and the work being done to remove obsolete barriers across Europe and beyond. Led by Dam Removal Europe, the day brings together organisations, practitioners, policymakers, communities and river champions to showcase the benefits of reconnecting rivers for nature and people. Across Europe, more than 9,000 barriers have now been removed, helping restore river connectivity, improve habitat for freshwater species, strengthen climate resilience and support healthier river systems.

 

#DamRemovalDay #FreeFlowingRivers #RiverRestoration #DamRemovalEurope

Sélune: the demolition of the Vezins dam on the way

It is a historic moment for Sélune! In recent days the cranes are at work on the left side of the dam and started the deconstruction of Vezins dam itself.

By the end of May the machines were present on site to dismantle the old hydroelectric power plant and make work to be transparent to floods. In this way in June three big openings (4X5meters each) were realized and the three bottom sluices open allowing passage of centennial floods.

In a few weeks another gear will come into action. Already installed at the foot of the dam this crane and 55 meters long articulated arm will dismount the central part of the dam.

Work are schedulde throughout the summer and until the fall.

The international media cover the Selune case : among others the international network of WWF, the BBC, AL Jazeera, La Vanguardia and Eldiario in Spain, Dennik N in Slovakia will report on the spot.

More about the project and the steps that led to this decision, see our dedicated page

 

24-26 sept.2019 : International conference on dam removal Register now !

The final program is well on the way ! The last major speakers have already confirmed their participation like the French Ministry of Environment and the French National Federation of Fishing, as well as representatives of the State of Massachusetts (US) and the Danish University (DK).

Of course, Sélune river – the erasing of its dams but also the future of the valley- will be the feature project with varied presentations from State, scientists, local actors !

You will learn more about French and European state of the art in establishing ecological contuinity with a focus on removal and the current results of Amber project. And also about the economic benefits of dam erasures.

Many interesting examples will be introduced by speakers from France, Spain, Japan and Finland, etc.

At the end of the second day, you will have the opportunity to visit the “Mont Saint Michel”, and, the day after, to go on field of Selune Valley.

More info and registration

Success of last Dam Removal Europe seminar – 22- 23 May, Pärnu, Estonia

May 22nd and 23rd, in Pärnu, Estonia, was the “Let it Flow” seminar on dam removal in Europe. Organized by the Dam Removal Europe platform, the World Fish Migration Fundation and the Environment Agency of Estonia The opportunity was given to visit the restoration works on the Pärnu River, the country’s first salmonid river. Including […]

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