Expansion of the embankment works on the Inn for better flood protection

The woodland maintenance work currently being carried out by VERBUND on the embankments in the area of the Inn power plant at Rosenheim is being extended in the weeks until the end of February in order to fell the trees and shrubs on the embankment shoulders. This work is taking place in preparation for the planned raising and strengthening of the embankments between the Rosenheim power plant and the bridge over the A8 motorway this coming autumn. The clearance work was made possible by a short-term approval of the water law department of the Rosenheim District Office. In order to comply with nature conservation requirements, the work must be completed by the end of February. Further woodland maintenance work is also currently being carried out on the Ahornstraße (access way to the Rosenheim power plant) on the right bank.

Raising the embankments to protect against 1,000 year floods

VERBUND Innkraftwerke is planning to increase and strengthen the retaining embankments at the Inn power plant Rosenheim to meet the current standards for protecting against a 1,000-year flood (HQ1000). Additionally, the water-side concrete seal from the Inn power plant at Rosenheim southwards to approx. 500 m north of the bridge over the A8 will be upgraded.

The first step will involve the removal of the trees and shrubs on the embankment shoulders. After that, in the spring, areas of retreat for reptiles, especially for the sand lizard, will be created along the embankments. The soil and concrete works on the embankments will begin in autumn 2024 and will be carried out during the low-water period of the Inn between September and March. After two construction phases in the autumn and winter months, the flood protection project is scheduled for completion by March 2026.

Upgrade of rare habitats

200 km of embankments under the maintenance of VERBUND line the Inn from Passau via Rosenheim to the border with Tyrol at Oberaudorf. The species-rich meadows on the Inn embankments form a flourishing strip through the mostly agricultural landscape.
The embankments at the Inn power plant Rosenheim should also be redeveloped into a high-quality location with flower meadows, reptile structures and islands of shrubs and small trees by means of ecological measures and ongoing maintenance following completion of the improved flood defences.
The clearances currently being carried out as well as all other conservation and technical measures in relation to the embankment adjustment are taking place in consultation with and with the approval of the responsible specialised authorities of the District Office and of the water authority.