The natural way: how Luxembourg is coping with the effects of floods
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After floods, the work varies in complexity and legal requirements. For example, cleaning of roads and areas adjacent to buildings is possible without special authorisation. However, sediment removal is regulated by laws such as the Water Act (2008) and the Nature Protection Act (2018). To simplify the process, a single point of contact with the Environmental Protection Administration has been established.
The basis for management has been the identification of risk zones in accordance with the EU Floods Directive 2007/60/CE. Special attention is paid to the country's 17 main rivers, where preventive works are carried out annually or semi-annually. If a major intervention is required, such as excavation work, the agreement of the municipal authorities is required.
Sediments accumulated over decades are tested for toxic substances. If polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are detected, either temporary storage for natural decomposition or dispatch to specialised waste receptors is used. The costs of analysis and disposal are the responsibility of the project owner, except in the case of public water bodies.
Floods rarely interfere with the agricultural use of land. However, in exceptional cases, sediment removal may be required, which entails additional costs.
Luxembourg follows the EU recommendations by focusing on risk mapping and prevention. The application of natural degradation of toxic sediments is an example of an environmentally sustainable approach.
