Thur

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Thur


Factsheet: Thur

General
Country CH
River Name Thur
Site Name Thur
River Characterisation
    River typology
    Location (Lat Lon) 47.5918, 8.77114000000006
    Altitude mid-altitude: 200 - 800 m
    Catchment area large: > 1000 - 10000 km2
    Geology Calcareous
    National code/
    River type name
    Hydromorphological quality elements

    Biological quality elements
    Ecosystem Services
    EU Directives
    Pressures
    Measures
    Other
    Project size 1.6 km
    Approximate costs > 1 000 000 Euros
    Synergy Flood protection, ecology, recreation
    Status Realised
    Period of realization 2000 - 2003
    Evaluation Hydromorphological and ecological changes
    Implemented by Amt für Umwelt (Thurgau) and Amt für Abfall, Wasser, Energie und Luft (Zurich)


    Site description

    The Thur is a 127 km long river flowing from the Swiss Alps in the north east of Switzerland. It is a tributary of the Rhine river which also originates in the Swiss Alps and ends in the North Sea. The Thur is the largest Swiss river without natural or artificial reservoirs along its course. Its discharge is similar to unregulated alpine rivers, the water level can therefore increase rapidly during rain events or snowmelt. For agricultural purposes and protection of residential areas, the Thur river was embanked in the late 19th century and its natural floodplain was drastically reduced. To date, important efforts are made to restore a natural morphology within the river. The aims are to increase natural protection against floods, and to increase natural processes and habitat diversity.

    Measures selection

    Parts of the Thur river were restored, as for example in 2002 on a 2 km stretch close to the villages of Niederneunforn and Altikon (i.e. stretch selected as the restored site for the Reform project). The river was widened on one or both sides of the main river channel. Along the course of the river, embankments were removed to provide a larger space to the river. Additional wood structure were added to enhance the ability of the river to meander. Both are expected to increase diversity of instream habitats and corresponding biota. A higher interaction between the river and the old-disconnected floodplain is expected to happen. To date, hydromorphological and biological indicators both suggest an increase in river quality and conditions after restoration. Fish species like the Chondrostoma nasus and bird species like the Actitis hypoleucos found habitats within the new landscape [1]. Socio-economic studies will complement ecological approaches, to assess the benefits or restoration costs for local citizens. Moreover, long-term ecological studies will permit to study in details the success or failure of restoration. The Thur restoration is a clear example of restoration management in Switzerland, providing information concerning restoration effects, and stimulating current and future studies.

    Socio-economic aspects

    Socio-economic studies will complement ecological approaches, to assess the benefits or restoration costs for local citizens.

    Contact person within the organization

    Prof. Mario Schirmer, Eawag, Überlandstrasse 133, CH 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland

    Extra background information

    References


    Related Measures

    Related Pressures