Guiding Principles

for Swiss watercourses Promoting sustainable watercourse management

Guiding Principles

Space for watercourses Water flow Water quality Example of Vision for the future of good practice Canton of Geneva’s exemplary watercourse our watercourses rehabilitation programme

Rehabilitation efforts on the Allondon 1 and below the Verbois dam (Teppes Watercourses are a vital The “Guiding Principles for Swiss watercourses” These goals can be achieved by complying with the de Verbois site) 2 are re- natural resource for set goals and call for action. principles of sustainability – specifically, by giving storing natural watercourse humans, wildlife and equal weight to the social, ecological and economic dynamics and re- Watercourses fulfil many different functions: they establishing habitat plants. aspects of watercourse management. In the long shape landscapes, and transport water and sediment. diversity and connectivity. Watercourses need to be term, this will lead to the preservation of natural These measures provide They serve as life-giving arteries in our landscapes protected and their func- watercourses. benefits not only for the tions safeguarded in the and help to maintain the natural balance of our eco- specialized flora and fauna (e.g. the Beautiful long term. It is essential systems. They replenish groundwater resources. In the “Guiding Principles for Swiss watercourses” – Demoiselle, “Calopteryx that future measures First and foremost, however, they are living, dynamic issued by the Swiss Agency for the Environment, virgo meridionalis”) 3 should be coordinated entities, which carve out their own path, some- Forests and Landscape (SAEFL), the Federal Office for but also for city-dwellers in search of relaxation – so as to realize the 4 times overflowing their banks in the process. But Water and Geology (OFEG), the Federal Office for a particular boon for the vision of near-natural they have often been straitjacketed by humans. Agriculture (FOAG), and the Federal Office for Spatial “city-canton” of Geneva. Swiss watercourses. Development (OSD) – the goals for the development As a result of human interventions, watercourses of our watercourses are explained for experts and may no longer be able to fulfil their various other interested readers. By taking an integrated functions: approach, the federal authorities in these four areas Confined channels and reinforced banks can wish to set an example and at the same time to increase the risk of flooding. promote sustainable watercourse management at all Over-intensive industrial or agricultural land use levels. too close to the water can adversely affect water The Guiding Principles outline measures that can be quality. adopted by cantonal, regional and local authorities. These insights are reflected by national legislation They are also designed to showcase examples of in the areas of hydraulic engineering, water pro- good practice for professionals and other interested 2 3 4 tection, spatial planning and agriculture. It is now citizens. There is no lack of knowledge – but action possible to reconcile demands for adequate water- is now required to implement it. course corridors, effective flood protection and the In 2001, the canton of Geneva re- canton is to be implemented over the Rehabilitation work has now also ceived the Watercourse Award, next few years. The measures, which been commenced on the Aire and maintenance of water quality. sponsored by the Water Management are covered by cross-border manage- Seymaz watercourses. The success of this integrated approach has been Association, the Biological Engin- ment agreements (“contrats de rivi- (For more information, see eering Association and Pro Natura. ères”) in the Lake Geneva/River www.geneve.ch/nature) demonstrated in practice. The examples of good The award was well deserved, as Rhône basin, address a wide variety practice that can already be found throughout the canton has made the rehabili- of aspects, including “Watercourse should now increasingly be followed. tation of its watercourses a priority corridors”, “Habitat diversity and concern since 1997. Under a CHF 31 landscape quality” and “Water Emphasis is placed on three development goals: million programme based on five quality”. Since 2001, measures have Adequate space for watercourses specially drafted laws, rehabilitation been implemented below the Verbois of the numerous streams and chan- dam (Teppes de Verbois restoration Adequate water flows nels in the catchment area of the project) on the Rhône. The success Adequate water quality of these measures can be seen by the fact that beavers have already 1 become re-established in the area.

2 | 3 Example of Development goal: good practice Integrated approaches “Adequate space for watercourses” for the River

The first development Adequate space for the natural development of a Measures for the definition of adequate space for Another aim which is goal is based on the fact watercourse in terms of area and time means: watercourses: also extremely important that our watercourses a cross-section that is adequate to accommodate on the River Thur is the Flood protection measures affecting watercourses restoration of natural often lack adequate space. flood run-off, and for sediment transport and should involve minimum intervention. The principle channels, e.g. through Accordingly, the Hydraulic drainage of agricultural land and settled areas; widening above Wattwil to be applied is: “Use retention measures wherever Engineering Ordinance adequate space for the development of natural (SG) 1 , or in the (WBV) stipulates that possible, culverting when necessary.” Schaffäuli alluvial zone structural diversity in aquatic, amphibian and near Neunforn (TG) 2 . cantonal authorities are The minimum area required for watercourses is to be terrestrial habitats; The programme also to define the minimum included as a principle in cantonal master plans and involves the creation of adequate space for the flourishing of biological area that is required to implemented in land-use plans. This means that: areas suitable for rec- communities appropriate to the habitat and for reational activities 3 , safeguard the natural For all watercourses, the aim should be to secure habitat connectivity; e.g. where the River functions of a water- the minimum area required (see chart). This is desig- Glatt joins the River Thur sufficient room for recreational activities, course. ned to safeguard natural watercourse functions to the near Oberbüren (SG). enabling the population to perceive and identify In this way, the public’s minimum extent necessary. Provision should be made awareness of the need with the cultural landscape; for buffer strips as appropriate; depending on the for sustainable use land use at a sufficient distance from the water- of watercourses can be circumstances, these will correspond at least to the course to ensure that water pollution is avoided. raised. fertilizer-free strip in accordance with the Ordinance on Environmentally Hazardous Substances or to the buffer zone key (recommended minimum width). Key chart In national priority areas (sites of national con-

Riparian area width as a function of natural channel bed width servation interest/NIN; sites of national importance 18 included in inventories) and in other priority areas to be designated by the cantonal authorities (e.g. protec- 1 2 3 14 ted areas, water protection zones, fish sanctuaries),

10 the aim should be to establish the area required with the aid of the biodiversity curve (cf. chart). This is The cantons of Appenzell Inner At the land-use planning level, the In little-used areas and alluvial Rhodes (AI) and Outer Rhodes (AR), required space may be demarcated zones, additional space is to be pro- 6 designed to safeguard and promote the natural diver- St. Gallen (SG), (TG) and using watercourse building lines and vided so that the River Thur can sity of animal and plant species adapted to the habi- (ZH) have resolved that the set-back lines. Within the frame- develop dynamically (designation of 2

Riparian area width in metres (one side) tat (increased watercourse width, wildlife corridor). River Thur – stretching for 127 km – work of landscape development con- a meander belt). For further infor- 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 In sites (e.g. alluvial zones) of national import- is to become a “river with a future cepts, corridors are designated to mation, see the brochure “Die Thur, Natural channel bed width in metres for humans, nature and landscape”. ensure habitat connectivity. Ziele für den Wasserbau” (“River ance included in inventories, in sites designated as Biodiversity curve For this reason, the area required for In recreation zones, consideration is Thur, hydraulic engineering goals”) Minimum area required (recommended minimum width) protected areas, and in zones under extensive the river is determined in a binding also to be given to the need for published in 2001 by the cantonal management, the aim should be to establish the manner for landowners on a case-by- additional space (e.g. for footpaths hydraulic engineering agencies of area required in the form of a meander belt, if a case basis, depending on the and rest areas). In areas liable to AI, AR, SG, TG and ZH. particular flood hazard and type of flooding, retention zones are planned goal of this type has been specified. The meander land use. to alleviate the flood risk (e.g. at Alt belt (allowing adequate room for the formation St. Johann). of meanders, branching, limited bank erosion) is designed to ensure that the watercourse is inte- grated into the landscape in a near-natural manner (key parameter: meander belt width).

4 | 5 Example of Development goal: good practice Adequate water flows in the “Adequate water flows” Kleine river Good solutions can be achieved by means of simple restoration measures (removal of hard bank reinforce- ments) and interconnec- tion with tributaries via ramps and fish ladders. A model for half a dozen The second development Adequate water flows – with a near-natural regime, Measures to secure adequate water flows tributaries is the only goal is concerned with including sediment transport – involve: When watercourses are utilized, consideration is to remaining natural point ensuring that water flows the preservation of adequate aquatic habitats be given to the natural functions of the hydrological where the Fontanne in our watercourses flows into the Kleine appropriate residual water levels in cases where cycle. This means that: Emme 1 , or natural are adequate over the water is abstracted or utilized. Wherever water is utilized, residual water flows riverbeds such as that long term. In cases should be optimized with a view to preserving at Witzigen 4 . where water is used too adequate aquatic habitats and other sensitive habi- On the lower reaches intensively by humans, of the river, the benefits tats dependent on water. If water is already being new approaches are for the redesigned abstracted from watercourses, any remedial measures stretch of water below required, since sufficient the Torenberg weir – quantities of water are which may be required are to be taken. with a discharge of 3 a prerequisite for valu- When buildings or installations are being planned, 1,7 m per second – are immediately appar- able habitats for plants constructed or operated, disruptions to the flow ent 3 , compared with and wildlife in and along regime or sediment transport are to be mitigated so the former state 2 . watercourses. as to promote the achievement of the development goals. Natural flow regimes and sediment transport rates are to be preserved as far as possible; if it is not possible for them to be preserved, they should be kept as near-natural as possible in terms of quality, quantity and seasonality in order to safeguard all the functions of the watercourse.

2 3 4

With the aid of watershed planning One of the measures to be taken on on a voluntary basis. In the future, for the river, which the lower reaches of the Kleine Emme when residual flows are guaranteed stretches for 35 km, the canton of involves a new regime for the diver- by means of fishways, the river will Lucerne is playing a pioneering role sion of water from a series of three once again be barrier free. These in watercourse protection. In this weirs for hydropower generation limitations are also in the interests planning, modern principles of water (, Torenberg and Emmen- of the hydropower stations: the pollution control and flood protection weid). The Torenberg weir (Switzer- power generated can be attractively are taken into account. Planning for land’s first hydropower station) marketed with an ecolabel. the drainage basin is based on an diverts 7 m3 water per second, and to For more information on tourist- assessment of water use, hydrology, date the 2,9 km downstream stretch related aspects of the Kleine Emme water quality, biology and eco- has carried no water for 132 days river, see www.soerenberg.ch 1 morphology, including barriers to fish each year. At the Emmenweid weir, migration. On the basis of this “drying-up” has occurred for 210 survey, the need for action has been days a year. Watershed planning now determined. Possible measures in- provides for additional residual clude restoration work and the con- flows. An example is being set by the struction of fish ladders and bypasses owner of the Torenberg weir (EWLE to safeguard the ecological function- Lucerne): here, a supply of at least ing of the watercourse. 1 m3 per second is being discharged

6 | 7 Example of Development goal: good practice “Adequate water quality” Buffer zones reduce water pollution

The third development What does adequate water quality involve? Measures for the achievement of adequate water goal is primarily con- Water temperature is at near-natural levels. quality cerned with reducing the Water, suspended matter and sediments either The prevention of water pollution or reduction of levels of pollutants contain no persistent pollutants, or such substances pollutant and nutrient inputs from domestic, indus- and nutrients entering are only present in harmless concentrations. our watercourses. The trial and commercial sources, as well as diffuse Other substances that may enter water as a result As part of a programme measures envisaged are sources (agricultural run-off, air), is to be achieved of human activities do not adversely affect biological of rehabilitation meas- designed to tackle the primarily by measures taken “at source”. This means: communities or the use of watercourses. ures, buffer zones were problem at source, there- At the community level, measures are to be taken established along the Lyssbach in the canton by lowering the high to control the use of substances and treat waste- of Bern. Farmers are costs associated with water using the best available techniques in order to required to manage these water pollution control. prevent the release of pollutants and nutrients, or zones extensively and receive financial compen- to ensure that inputs into water bodies are reduced sation in return. Nitrate to harmless levels. and phosphate inputs are thus reduced, enhan- Production processes are to be de- cing both habitat and signed and wastewater is to be treated water quality. using the best available techniques in Photos 1 – 4 : Lyssbach, such a way as to prevent the release of 1 synthetic organic substances or heavy metals from trade and industry, or to ensure that inputs into water bodies are reduced to harmless levels. Levels of pollutants and nutrients from diffuse 2 3 4 sources are to be reduced so as to prevent adverse impacts on watercourses. Specific measures in the agricultural sector include the following: The new regulations concerning the Throughout Switzerland, dozens of For individual farming families, these area required for watercourses examples can now be found of buffer subsidies offer major economic establishment of extensively managed buffer strips, complement both the Ordinance on zones along rehabilitated water- advantages. However, this system also optimization of fertilizer balance on farms where Environmentally Hazardous Sub- courses. Through partnerships be- benefits the national economy, as livestock is kept, no-till management, extensification stances and the Law on Water Pollu- tween farmers, local and cantonal cantonal and federal expenditures on of grassland, reduced use of artificial fertilizers and tion Control: the Ordinance provides authorities, and environmental agen- water pollution control are thus for a buffer zone with a width of 3 m cies, it is possible to achieve work- reduced by millions of francs each pesticides, reduction of erosion and soil run-off along watercourses, where the use able solutions adapted to local con- year. The principle of tackling the through appropriate soil management (e.g. no-till of fertilizers and pesticides is pro- ditions. problem of nitrate and phosphate hibited. When the area required for water pollution at source, i.e. by pre- and/or mulch-till systems). Farmers receive payments for mee- a watercourse is determined, this venting inputs, pays off in the long ting required standards of ecological zone may be widened if necessary. term. performance – which serves as an incentive. Under Article 62a of the Law on Water Pollution Control (concerning measures to prevent run- off and leaching of substances in agriculture), sufficient financial re- sources are available each year to resolve problems of water pollution control at the regional level. 8 | 9 All pulling in the same direction Perspectives “At last, an integrated approach”

In the area of watercourse The “Guiding Principles for Swiss watercourses” management of watercourses, they also leave some use, preservation and seek to promote an integrated approach to room for intelligent and innovative solutions. development, Switzerland watercourse management, indicating how problems This leeway should be more effectively exploited. possesses considerable can be successfully tackled. However, if they are But actors in the private sector have an equally know-how. With effective to be effective and the development goals are to be important role to play – industrial and environmen- interdisciplinary cooper- achieved, these principles need to be put into tal associations, and not least the parties directly ation between experts practice by means of interdisciplinary cooperation concerned. All these players rightly wish to have a representing the concerns between specialists in the fields of river engin- say; they should all not only participate in projects, of river engineering, eering, ecology, spatial and landscape planning, but also take the initiative themselves. Likewise, biology, ecology, agricul- ture, spatial planning and agriculture. Although these various experts they should all share in the satisfaction of seeing a and the economy, appro- will each have their own perspective, they should solution successfully implemented. priate solutions can be collectively have the ability to take a global view In recent years, much valuable work has been done achieved. This will not and to implement solutions that give due consid- in watercourse projects throughout Switzerland: only benefit watercourses eration to all the relevant interests. A key factor consideration has been given in many cases both to but serve the interests of in this process will be collaboration between the flood protection and environmental concerns, society as a whole. federal, cantonal and communal agencies. Govern- numerous restoration and rehabilitation projects ment agencies, which can draw on considerable have been carried out, and new flood protection know-how, are also responsible for ensuring that concepts have been developed. Thanks to the efforts legal regulations are implemented, e.g. under the and commitment of a large number of experts from Law on Water Pollution Control, the Ordinance a wide range of disciplines, our watercourses have a on Water Pollution Control (specification of water living future ahead of them. quality requirements), the Ordinance on Hydraulic Engineering (Article 21: cantonal obligation to

determine the area required for watercourses) or An agricultural perspective A local authority perspective A river engineering A cantonal perspective An environmental perspective the Ordinance on Environmentally Hazardous Sub- perspective stances (prohibitions and restrictions on the use “By adopting near-natural “In our community, thanks to “Flood protection and ecology “Watercourse rehabilitation is “At last, an integrated of substances in the vicinity of watercourses). While management practices, our cooperation between the now go hand in hand, on the not a luxury but a duty! approach is being adopted. farmers contribute to the authorities, land owners and principle ‘as soft as possible, Climate change and floods or We now have the oppor- these regulations set the general framework for the good quality of watercourses. farmers, and conservationists, as hard as necessary’. long periods of low water tunity to restore our most They are the expert partners we have also helped to give Increasingly, the current river levels remind us how import- important watercourses for the appropriate use and the River Thur a future. Flood engineering philosophy ant it is to preserve the to a near-natural state. This management of riparian areas. protection measures are in attaches equal importance to natural dynamics of water- will benefit not only nature Compensation – in the form place wherever necessary, the the needs of the public and courses and adequate space for but also all of us, whether as of a fair level of subsidies – river has regained its natural of nature. As far as possible, them. The Canton of Geneva consumers or as relaxation needs to be provided for these dynamics, and the landscape the space required by water- has enshrined watercourse seekers.” efforts made in the public has been significantly courses is to be made available rehabilitation in the Cantonal interest.” enhanced for humans, plants once again. This reduces Law on Water Bodies and Silva Semadeni, President of and wildlife.” the risk of flooding and at the resolved to make funds avail- Pro Natura Switzerland René Weber, same time gives nature a free able for an action programme. Federal Office for Agriculture Benjamin Gentsch, mayor, rein.” We are proud to be contrib- Neunforn (Canton of Thurgau) uting to the International Year Albert Hurni, of Freshwater.” Civil Engineering Office, Canton of Bern Robert Cramer, State Councillor, Canton of Geneva 10 | 11 Publication details Bibliography (German) Key legislation Published by the Swiss Agency Synthesebericht Raumbedarf von Fliessgewässern, BWG, 2002 Water Pollution Control Law, Art. 1 (integrated perspective) for the Environment, Forests Der Stickstoffhaushalt in der Schweiz, Konsequenzen für Water Pollution Control Law, Art. 6–13 (wastewater treatment and Landscape (SAEFL) and the Gewässerschutz und Umweltentwicklung, Schriftenreihe Umwelt, and sewerage) Federal Office for Water and Nr. 209, BUWAL, 1993 Water Pollution Control Law, Art. 14, 27 (farmyard manure and Geology (FOWG/BWG), with the Methoden zur Untersuchung und Beurteilung der Fliessgewäs- soil management) cooperation of the Federal ser: Ökomorphologie, Stufe F, Vollzug Umwelt, Mitteilungen zum Water Pollution Control Law, Art. 29–36 (residual flows) Office for Agriculture (FOAG) Gewässerschutz, Nr. 27, BUWAL, 1998 Water Pollution Control Law, Art. 37, 38 (reinforcement and and the Federal Office for Mehr Raum für unsere Fliessgewässer, Pro Natura, 1999 culverting) Spatial Development (OSD) Strategie zur Reduktion von Stickstoffemissionen, Schriften- Water Pollution Control Law, Art. 62a (compensation for non- www.environment- reihe Umwelt Nr. 273, BUWAL, 1996 use) switzerland.ch www.bwg.admin.ch Wegleitung für den ökologischen Ausgleich auf dem Hydraulic Engineering Law, especially Art. 3, 4, 7 (flood © SAEFL/FOWG, Bern, 2003 Landwirtschaftsbetrieb, Landwirtschaftliche Beratungszentrale protection and river engineering requirements) CH-8315 Lindau, 1999 Hydraulic Engineering Ordinance, Art. 21 (cantonal obligation Concept and editing: Evaluation der Ökomassnahmen und Tierhaltungsprogramme, to determine area required) naturaqua PBK, Bern Dritter Zwischenbericht, BLW, August 2000 Federal Law on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage Project management: Restwassermengen in Fliessgewässern, Wasserentnahmen, die (requirements for specific nature and landscape protection, Ulrich Sieber (SAEFL), insbesondere der Bewässerung dienen (Kt. Bern), Vollzug Umwelt, protection of landscapes and water bodies listed in inventories, Ulrich von Blücher (FOWG), Mitteilungen zum Gewässerschutz, Nr. 24, BUWAL 1997 e.g. alluvial zones, mire landscapes, mires) Norbert Ledergerber (SAEFL) Raum den Fliessgewässern!, BWG/BUWAL/ARE, 2000 (leaflet) Environmental Protection Law (especially the associated Graphics and design: Mehr Raum und Dynamik für vernetzte Fliessgewässer, Ordinance on Environmentally Hazardous Substances) upART kommunikations design, Fachbeitrag (in: Ingenieurbiologie, Nr. 3, 2000) Fisheries Law, especially Art. 7–10 (specification of Bern Die Thur, Ein Fluss mit Zukunft für Mensch, Natur und requirements for habitat protection) English translation: Landschaft, Kantone Appenzell I.Rh., Appenzell A. Rh., Spatial Planning Law, especially Art. 3, 17 (general planning Acheson Translations & Editing, St. Gallen, Thurgau und Zürich, Bundesamt für Wasser und principles, designation of protected areas in land-use planning) Oberwil Geologie (2001) Agriculture Law, Art. 70–77 (associated ordinances on direct Citations: Instrumente zur Aufwertung von Fliessgewässern, PUSCH, payments and ecological subsidies) SAEFL/FOWG (Ed.), Thema Umwelt 3/2002 Water Pollution Control Ordinance, Appendix 1 (ecological 2003: Guiding Principles goals for water bodies) for Swiss watercourses. Water Pollution Control Ordinance, Appendix 2 (requirements Promoting sustainable for water quality) watercourse management. Bern, 12 pp. Photographs This booklet is also available in Cover: naturaqua PBK, Bern; pp. 2 | 3: Department of Internal French, German and Italian Affairs, Agriculture and the Environment, Canton of Geneva; and has been published online pp. 4 | 5: Atelier Stern & Partner, Zurich; pp. 6 | 7: Dr Pius (see above) Stadelmann, Cantonal Environmental Protection Office, ; pp. 8 | 9: Thomas Cunz, Bern. Copies can be ordered free of The photographs on pp. 10 | 11 were kindly provided by the charge from: authors. BBL, Vertrieb Publikationen, CH-3003 Bern Tel. +41 (0)31 325 50 50 Fax +41 (0)31 325 50 58 e-mail: [email protected] Websites: www.bundespublikationen.ch or www.buwalshop.ch Order nos.: German: 319.503.d French: 319.503.f Italian: 319.503.i English: 319.503.e Contact: SAEFL, CH-3003 Bern www.environment-switzerland.ch

FOWG, CH-3003 Bern www.bwg.admin.ch

FOAG, CH-3003 Bern [email protected] | www.blw.admin.ch

OSD, CH-3003 Bern www.are.ch

Orders: This publication can be ordered from: BBL, Vertrieb Publikationen, CH-3003 Bern [email protected] Order no.: 319.503.e Website: www.bundespublikationen.ch