Tenders Are Invited For Planning Services For Flood Protection At The Essen-Überruhr Waterworks

Wassergewinnung Essen Gmbh (Wge) Is Planning The Sustainable Modernization Of Flood Protection In The Area Of ​​The Water Treatment Plants In Essen-Überruhr Along The Ruhr. The Existing Dike From The 1960S Has Significant Weaknesses In Terms Of Stability And Tightness Due To Age And Material-Related Deficiencies As Well As Unfavorable Subsoil Conditions. Seepage And Smoke Water Escapes As Well As Waterlogging Occurred Repeatedly During Flood Events - Most Recently In July 2021 - Which Impair The Protective Function Of The Dike System. In Addition, Essential Geometric And Construction Parameters (Including Crown Width, Slope Slopes) Do Not Correspond To The Current Regulations (Din 19712). Against This Background, The Implementation Of A Comprehensive Renovation Concept Is Planned. The Central Element Is The Relocation Of The Existing Flood Protection Line And The Construction Of A New 1.2 Km Long Dike Within The Company Premises. The New Dike Will Be Designed As A Three-Zone Dike In Accordance With The Requirements For Class I Dikes And Will Be Designed For The Design Flood Level Hq1000 Plus Freeboard. In Addition, Passable Dike Tops, Dike Defense Routes And The Necessary Structures And Connections Are Planned. At The Same Time, The Existing Dike Will Be Opened By Creating Five Breaches That Can Be Crossed Over. This Will Reconnect A Previously Separated Retention Area To The Natural Flood Dynamics Of The Ruhr Floodplain. The Aim Is To Improve Flood Protection Through Additional Retention Areas As Well As The Ecological Improvement Of The Floodplain Landscape Over An Area Of ​​Over 45 Hectares. The Planning Area Covers A Length Of Approx. 1.78 Km In The Essen?Überruhr-Hinsel Area And Includes Complex Boundary Conditions, Including Existing Water Management Systems, Pipe Infrastructure, Protected Areas And Species Protection Issues (In Particular Natterjack Toad Habitats). As Part Of The Measure, Dismantling, Relocation And Adaptation Work On Existing Lines, Traffic Areas And Technical Systems Is Also Required. The Planning Is Carried Out Taking Into Account Water Law Approval Requirements (Plan Approval Process According To Section 68 Whg) As Well As Ecological And Technical Framework Conditions. An Environmental Impact Assessment Is Currently Not Required. The Aim Of The Project Is To Ensure Sustainable Flood Protection For The Company Premises And The Surrounding Areas, To Adapt The System To The State Of The Art And At The Same Time To Create Additional Retention Areas To Relieve The Pressure On The Ruhr.