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Working to the rhythm of nature
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Working to the rhythm of nature
In Ehlerange, a vast redevelopment project is underway on the former slag heap site. The aim? To transform the area into a future centre of economic activity. The project is proving to be more complex than it looks, particularly given the presence of protected natural areas such as wetlands and green spaces.
Covering an area of more than 62 hectares, the project will involve excavating 980,000 m3 of material to create a platform for the future business park. Three perimeter embankments (north, east and west), containing steelworks residues, will be remodelled, while the proportion of green spaces will be increased. The latter will be covered with clay to prevent water infiltration into the soil and limit the formation of leachates, a residual liquid resulting from the percolation of water through the materials.
The project also includes the installation of a rainwater collection network and slopes at the top of the embankments to channel the water and prevent it from running off the site.
A large-scale operation
For the time being, work is concentrated on the inside of the north and west berm.
To complete this mission, major technical resources were deployed. ‘We are using four excavators, including a Liebherr 976 - the most powerful in our fleet - two sheepsfoot compactors, two smooth ball compactors, four bulldozers, five dumpers and two lorries,’ explains Filippe De Sousa, works manager.
Significant progress has been made: the remodelling of the sea wall is almost complete. However, work on the northern merlon has been suspended until October due to the presence of the woodlark.
Preserving local biodiversity
Started at the beginning of the year, the work is being carried out in stages to respect the life cycle of the species that have colonised the site.
Some areas are only accessible outside the nesting and migration periods.
Three remarkable species have been identified: the woodlark, for which a compensatory area has been created behind the north berm, the blue sparrow and the natterjack. ‘The toads will be gradually relocated as the work progresses and reintroduced in the finished areas. The aim is to intervene only where they are not present,’ explains Filippe De Sousa. For example, the central area of the site remains inaccessible between March and October to preserve their habitat.
This large-scale project once again demonstrates our ability to reconcile major earthworks with environmental protection.