Since September 15, teams have been working on several sections of rivers and torrents in the area, covering 9 km of work planned by the end of December. These interventions, carried out in riverbeds, on banks, and around protection structures, aim to ensure proper hydraulic functioning, limit overflow and flood risks, and reduce residents' vulnerability to floods. The work is being conducted during a period of minimal impact on fauna and flora.
In response to climate change and the increasing frequency of unpredictable torrential floods and overflows, the CCSPVA, responsible for Aquatic Environments Management and Flood Prevention (GeMAPI), maintains the vegetation of 28 community-interest rivers, torrents, streams, and ravines, along with approximately one hundred flood protection structures.
This autumn's efforts focus on 8 river sections, totaling over 9 km. Activities include removing dead or unstable trees, clearing blockages, and clearing vegetation around structures. Three companies have been commissioned for this work: Brigades Nature, Les Environneurs, and Travaux & Environnement.
Work on the Torrent du Laus (500 m in Avançon) is complete. Currently underway is the Rivière de l’Avance over 1.3 km in Avançon. Additional sections are planned on the Torrents de la Magdeleine (Rambaud), de la Combe (La Rochette), du Dévezet (Montgardin/La Bâtie-Neuve), du Grand Bois (Saint-Étienne-le-Laus), and de Théus (Remollon/Théus), as well as the Rivière de la Luye (La Bâtie-Neuve).
This comprehensive operation represents an investment of €86,000 including tax, funded by the CCSPVA with support from the Hautes-Alpes Department.
The law requires riparian property owners to maintain riverbanks (Article L. 215-14 of the Environmental Code). The CCSPVA has filed a Declaration of General Interest (DIG) with the Prefecture, authorizing a public project owner to intervene on private land using public funds, following notification to the affected landowners.
