Feasibility study on the design of the Lindenbach in Schierstein
The Lindenbach runs between the A 66 highway and the Schierstein harbour basin in a channel that is partly made of concrete and has a steep gradient. This makes it almost impossible for aquatic life to migrate.
What is the problem?
Between the A66 freeway and the Schierstein harbour basin, the Lindenbach runs for around 1,000 meters in a solid, partially concrete channel. In places, the channel has a steep longitudinal gradient.
Drops in the river bed further worsen the situation. The migration of fish and other aquatic life is severely impaired or prevented.
The Lindenbach also has large flooding areas in parts of the Schierstein district. The spread of the flooded areas in the event of flooding is mainly determined by the height of the terrain and the height of the existing walls. When the Rhine floods, the Lindenbach is backed up, creating the flooding area just before the inflow into Schiersteiner Hafen. During planning, particular care is taken to ensure that the floodplains neither shift nor increase in size.
What is planned?
In a feasibility study, different solution variants are to be developed and checked for their feasibility. Under no circumstances should a measure have a negative impact on the current flooding situation. The proposed variants should always include the removal of falls within the watercourse parcel. The redesign of the river bed can be realized by different variants in different sections of the stream. For example, the solid bed components can be removed in sections and a natural stream bed can be developed. In some places, stones or grid elements can be placed to slow down the flow and thus ensure that bed load can accumulate. It may be necessary to consider raising individual sections of wall if existing walls no longer offer sufficient protection in the event of flooding due to the introduction of material into the river bed.
Who benefits from this?
By restoring river continuity for fish and other aquatic life and improving the structure, new habitats are created for aquatic organisms. Over time, these can develop into a valuable biotope.