Flooding work on track in Jávea
Native flora will be planted along the riverbank
WORK to prevent the River Gorgos bursting its banks in Jávea during heavy rain is continuing.
The 18-month project has been undertaken by the Júcar river and water authority (CHJ).
Water commissioner for the CHJ, Marc García Manzana briefed councillors Kika Mata (public works) and Toni Miragall (environment) on the scheme during a tour of the river bank.
Sr García explained that they are investing in ‘work to improve safety around the Gorgos’.
He reminded that river levels can rise very quickly during the intense bursts of rainfall that occur periodically in the Marina Alta area.
They are currently carrying out the first phase of the project – which is the action from the mouth of the river heading inland.
Sr García explained that they are focusing on ‘removing and eradicating’ canes which are in the bed of the river and on the banks.
Build-ups of floating canes during torrential rain can lead to blockages and cause the river to burst its banks.
He noted that they are covering areas where canes grow with black sheeting which ‘creates temperatures underneath of up to 70°C’.
The technician said this kills off the rhizomes – the horizontal underground plant stems capable of producing the shoot and root systems of a new plant.
The CHJ is also ‘surveying’ any trees which have taken root in the riverbed which ‘could act as obstacles and cause problems during downpours’.
Once this first phase is completed they will start on a second scheme, doing the same work on a 1.5-kilometre stretch as far as the Pont del
Llavador bridge.
When they are confident that all the cane rhizomes have been removed, they will plant native species of flora on the riverbank.
This will help to ‘recover the original look’ of the waterway and promote biodiversity.