LiRiLi - Living River Liesing - Demonstrative Ecological Reconstruction of a Heavily Modified Waterbody in an Urban Environment

The objective of the pilot project was to maximise the 'ecological potential' of the River Liesing, heavily modified as a result of flood protection measures, in conformity with the WFD. The aim was to restore of semi-natural morphological conditions and former meanders, by transforming a canal-like concrete channel into a semi-natural river, and by constructing a semi-natural river bed with a gravel substrate and bioengineering measures (willow fascines, wattle fence), meeting the relevant flood protection requirements. For landscape design only indigenous trees and bushes were used. A pathway and a riverside child's playground were also constructed. The project also managed to improve the water quality (from quality class IV to quality class II-III of the saprobic system), including flora and fauna indicators. A new sewer system was also created and a local treatment plant and morphological parameter that discharge the water to the river were closed.