Une action essentielle trop souvent négligée : l'entretien des cours d'eau, naturels ou aménagés

An essential action too often neglected: upkeep of natural or developed waterways

Ingénieur général du Génie rural, des Eaux et des Forêts

Abstract

Upkeep requires a good knowledge of the river and its movements, rapid detection of the first signs of degradation, definition and surveillance of many small works, frequent consultation with riverside dwellers and users. This justifies the permanent employment of a competent technical leader. If there are restoration works, it is important that the project defines its methods and an assessment of the annual cost of upkeep, that financing and breakdown of charges are clearly stated and that the population and users are informed during the public enquiry. Otherwise there will most likely be a lack of upkeep, making the work useless at a future stage.