The Syndicat de rivière Célé - Lot médian covers an area of 2,300 km² and a population of around 92,000 around Figeac. More than 2,389 km of permanent watercourses are present on its territory. The syndicat is responsible for Water Environment Management and Flood Prevention (GEMAPI) and is committed to restoring watercourses and wetlands to enhance their natural functionality. Having identified the need to restore the former gravel pit at Espagnac Sainte Eulalie, a degraded wetland with low ecological value and significant eutrophication, the syndicate called on Naldeo for this project.
Initially focused on improving the functioning of the site through the diversification of environments, the first solutions envisaged quickly encountered challenges linked to the climatic context and the presence of high concentrations of nutrients, favoring the appearance of cyanobacteria and leading to significant fish mortality.
Aware that global warming would exacerbate this phenomenon, Naldeo, in close collaboration with the syndicate, proposed an innovative solution: the creation of a connection to the river to ensure water renewal, thus promoting lower temperatures and better mixing. At the same time, actions to diversify habitats were undertaken, such as the creation of an island, the development of vegetated areas and the planting of hedges. In addition, an educational trail has been laid out on the site to raise public awareness of the work carried out.
Since the implementation of these measures, no new cyanobacteria bloom has been recorded. The diversified environments have attracted a greater variety of plant and animal species, while the site has become welcoming, equipped with information panels and an observatory, while preserving biodiversity issues.
The Naldeo group is a leading engineering and consulting firm specializing in the climatic and environmental transition of industries and local communities.