Water Makes Life Possible: Our Contribution to Earth Day
By implementing a wide range of measures, such as the constant reduction in the discharge of saline wastewater, riverbank renaturation, and the removal of weirs, K+S acts in accordance with overarching action plans and achieves measurable regional effects.
Species conservation on the floating island in Lake Hautsee, Thuringia
In a cooperation project with the Thuringian Association for Fishing and Nature Conservation and the Thuringian Species Conservation Working Group and Thuringia Forestry, the development of biodiversity on the floating island in Lake Hautsee was promoted.
The island had become overgrown and immobile due to pine trees. Once the heavy trees have been removed, plant species typical of the habitat can grow again and the island - a registered natural monument - can move freely again when the water level is high.
Riverbank renaturation of the Schwarzellerbach, Hesse
In this project, the straightened bank of the Schwarzellerbach stream was restored to its natural state, allowing a natural stream bed to develop.
Water and riverbanks provide a habitat for many creatures and any flooding can be held back in the floodplain for longer.
Precipitation runs off more slowly and seeps more into the ground, which benefits groundwater recharge.
Development of small bodies of water as feeding habitats for native wildlife in Mahlwinkel, Saxony-Anhalt
In cooperation with the Landesgesellschaft Sachsen-Anhalt mbH, a measure was created that combines open land, forest, and water structures. At its heart is a small body of water, which is a popular water source and feeding habitat for bats, among others.
Renaturation and restructuring of the Suhlbach, Hesse & Thuringia
The aim of the current project is to restore a near-natural floodplain by renaturalizing and restructuring the Suhlbach stream. Different vegetation and terrain modeling create a variety of habitats for small creatures, birds, fish, and amphibians. The floodplain can now store precipitation and flooding of the adjacent fields is prevented.
Fish ladder in the Ulster River near Räsa, Thuringia
The weir at Räsa in the lower course of the Ulster River was replaced by a fish ladder consisting of nine successive stone bars. This measure enables fish to migrate upstream and reach new habitats. In contrast to weirs and barrages, the flow is good and improves the water quality in terms of oxygen content and temperature.
Stream extension with flood troughs, bypass and initial planting of floodplain forest in Kerzell near Eichenzell, Hesse
A wide variety of measures were implemented on an area of around two hectares.
An existing stream was extended and a side channel with steep banks and water banks was created. Riparian plantings line these morphological structures. An open water area is located in an adjacent meadow and is habitat to numerous insects, dragonflies, and frogs.
The structural diversity attracts various animal and plant species. Today, for example, the beaver finds ideal conditions there. The steep walls offer the kingfisher ideal opportunities to create a breeding den and a gravel bank on the bank serves as a breeding ground for the little ringed plover.
Further Sustainability News
Click for more news
Follow us on
