Leck in the Zoggler reservoir: Fish resettlement after massive water loss!

Leck in the Zoggler reservoir: Fish resettlement after massive water loss!

Zoggler Stausee, Ultental, Italien - The Zoggler reservoir in South Tyrol is currently causing a lot of excitement. A leak below the dam brings massive challenges. According to Alperia, the operator of the reservoir, around 20 million cubic meters of water have flowed since May 13th. This corresponds to about 8,000 Olympic swimming pools and two thirds of the entire storage column of the lake. The water level has lowered over 21 meters, which has consequences not only for the operators, but also for the environment. The environmental authorities are particularly concerned about the fish population in the zoggler, as well as in the false river mountain flow, into which the water is derived.

To master the situation, those responsible have developed a protective concept together with the state authorities and the local fish association. In the back of the lake, three pelvis is to be created in order to create a suitable habitat for the fish during the repair work. The resettlement of the fish is planned for the next time. In addition, a provisional protective wall is built in the lake bed in order to achieve the difficult -to -access defective chamber below the dam and inspect the damage site.

The challenges of flood protection

The problems associated with leaks in reservoirs are not unique for the Zoggler reservoir. A reservoir was also built in Poland to reduce flooding. Mayor Czesław Burek wanted to minimize flood threat in the Odra Valley in Nieboczowy after the worst floods in the region affected tens of thousands of people in 1997. In order to avoid permanent floods, the Racibórz Dolny reservoir was built, which also houses the new village of Nowe Nieboczowy.

The Polish government has launched ambitious projects in the field of flood protection in recent years that not only benefit the residents, but also help regional ecosystems. These measures include the deepening and widening of the ODRA, the construction of new dike and the detour of river courses. With the support of the EU you strive to create comprehensive solutions for climate adjustment and flood security.

A look into the future

The developments in the Zoggler reservoir and similar projects in Europe show how important it is to proactively tackle natural disasters. The fishing measures in South Tyrol as well as the flood protection projects in Poland are a sign that you not only think of the immediate challenges, but also to secure the affected regions and their residents. While the inspection work in the Zoggler reservoir continues, it remains to be hoped that the measures will soon have an effect and that the water can quickly return to its original condition.