Nature-based Remediation of Metal pollutants in Nature Areas to increase water storage capacity NARMENA

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

One way to partly mitigate flood risks from climate change is by creating water retention areas. But in cases where these areas contain contaminated water and sediments, measures need to be taken to avoid widespread pollution, especially when those areas are within or near Natura 2000 sites. In Flanders, up to 50% of watercourses contain sediments which are contaminated with heavy metals. Heavy metal toxicity poses both an ecological and health threat. Remediation of metal pollution in water is the recommended approach, but this comes with particular challenges.

OBJECTIVES

LIFE NARMENA aims to increase available water storage capacity by removing metal pollutants from watercourses and floodplains through nature-based remediation. Its objectives are to demonstrate bacteria-assisted phytoremediation and constructed wetland techniques in Flemish watercourses polluted by chromium, arsenic cadmium and radium. The project also aims to develop an application framework to replicate these techniques and strengthen related nature and soil policies.

The specific objectives are:

three watercourses in Flanders will be targeted asdemonstration sites;

1 000m2 of waterway will be tested using a bacteria-assisted phytoremediation technique; and

33ha of wetland will be tested using a constructed wetland technique.

LIFE NARMENA covers climate, environment and biodiversity policies. The project will help implement the Water Framework and the Floods Directives. All sites are located in Natura 2000 sites and so the project will contribute to the Habitats Directive. It will also support the Seventh Environment Action Programme in relation to soil degradation.

RESULTS

Expected results:

an increased water storage capacity of at least 165 000 m;

improved water quality, with a reduction in heavy metals of between 50-90% in surface water, soil and sediments; and

over 34ha will directly become resilient to floods.