Pinzgau: Flood protection based on the Tyrolean model?
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In the Oberpinzgau, talks with the landowners about the planned retention basins for flood protection are to start soon. The protective dams could be built according to the Tyrolean model because they have already prevented three floods in the municipality of Gerlos.
shipment notice
“Radio Salzburg lunchtime”
February 25, 2022, 1 to 2 p.m
topic
How can flood protection and environmental protection interests be reconciled?
In the Schönachtal in Tyrol, a wall is used to protect against flooding. It holds back the water that comes from the tributaries in the mountains. A reservoir is created in the valley, the water is held back and flows more slowly. The protective structure has already prevented three floods in the municipality of Gerlos.
“Protection for the population and locality”
“In 2010, a year after completion, the wall in Gerlos averted a flood disaster for the first time. I would definitely resort to such measures to protect the population and locality. Because the past has shown that it works,” says the mayor of the municipality of Gerlos in Tyrol, Andreas Haas. The municipality is responsible for maintaining the retention basin in Gerlos. Rubble and rubble from the basin are dredged and stored in the rear part of the valley.
“Copying” flood protection from Tyroleans?
The flood structures in neighboring Gerlos (Tyrol) have prevented several floodings in recent years. The same construction could also be used for flood protection in Oberpinzgau.
“A protective structure will not be enough in Oberpinzgau”
In Oberpinzgau, several large retention basins in the Tauern valleys are necessary to reduce the small amounts of water in the Salzach during heavy rain. An important location for a protective dam is the Krimmler Achental. The Schönachtal in Gerlos is much smaller, but the function of the protective dam is comparable. The retention basin has now been in existence for 12 years.
Retention basin possible on federal forest land
The only directly affected landowners in the Krimmler Achental are the Bundesforste: “The retention basins can withstand a large amount of water. The area is 3,000 square meters and can hold 70,000 to 75,000 cubic meters of water. That should be enough to defuse the flood peaks and allow a regulated discharge,” says Thomas Schreder, District Manager of the Federal Forests.
Several locations
In Oberpinzgau there are eight possible locations for protective dams in mountain valleys. Many farmers are affected. Discussions with all landowners are expected to begin soon.