Los Azudes are infrastructure that are placed in a river current to collect and derive waterthe problem is that many have already been disused so they hinder the connectivity of the section and cause the rerequal of the river water sheet.
In addition to removing the azud, other actions have been carried out through which it has acted on the current in order to Promote a distribution of gravels that are more sustainable and prevent a sediments from occurring.
No more obsolete azudes
The Basque Agua-PURA agency has demolished an Azud that generated an obstacle and a regret of the water sheet of the Errekaleor river as it passes through the Gasteiztarra neighborhood of the same name. It was a Ancient disused azud was used to derive water.
In addition, deflectors have been installed (small transverse barriers to the channel that modify the behavior of the current) in the riverbed. It is about acting on the current to promote a more sustainable distribution of gravels; so that Own current helps prevent sediments and encourages naturalization of the concrete pass where it has acted.
The set of action seeks to favor the free circulation of water and fish fauna. The elimination of this artificial barrier It also favors the mobility of species such as European mink (Loured mustol)as well as the natural redistribution of sediments, and facilitates the regeneration of habitats, key to local biodiversity.
In addition to the withdrawal of the azud, the side connectivity of the channel has been improved by the construction of ramps and the Creation of safe side halls for land fauna, seeking the ecological continuity of the river. Special care has been taken in minimizing the conditions of the works to the environment and in ensuring their environmental integration.
The works, partially executed, foresee an investment of 26,183.82 euros, and will conclude during the next summer. Also, the tasks of Revegetation with native species will be made on the land affected by the accesses next autumnonce the work pending execution is finished. This project has financing from the European Regional Development Fund, Feder 2021-2027.
Why eliminate river barriers?
The demolition of disused dams and azudes is part of the river restoration strategies promoted by URA. The elimination of these barriers facilitates the migration of fish species, allowing their access to reproduction and food areas; It enables natural sediment transport (improving the structure of the channel and reducing erosive processes); Water quality increases by favoring greater oxygenation and reducing the accumulation of organic matter and It contributes to the recovery of the river landscape and the biodiversity of aquatic and riverside ecosystems.