The CHJ continue work on the riverbed of the Gorgos

The river bed is being covered with a special tarpaulin which encourages the temperature to rise to 70 degrees and kill off the rhizomes – the plant stems – of the reeds.

Friday 27th January 2023
Mike Smith

Work on the riverbed of the Gorgos to keep it clear of vegetation and provide an unobstructed run of water during periods of heavy rain and associated flooding continues and councillors Kika Mata (Works) and Toni Miragall (Environment) visited the area where the Confederación Hidrográfica del Júcar (CHJ) has been working on laying down a covering to prevent reed growth.

The councillors visited the area with CHJ Water Commissioner, Marc García Manzana, and saw progress of the first phase of the project which is being carried out along the stretch between the bridge which carries the Avenida del Pla over the riverbed (Discoteca Molí Blanc) and the mouth of the river.

Related Link: CJH to cover Gorgos riverbed with black mesh to prevent reed growth

This stretch was very prone the growth of invasive species of reed and is now being covered with a special tarpaulin which encourages the temperature to rise to 70 degrees and kill off the rhizomes – the plant stems – of the reeds. In addition, some of the trees growing in the middle of the riverbed are being felled since they could act as obstacles and cause specific problems in episodes of heavy rain.

The CHJ representative explained that this initial phase will be completed by a second part which will cover the next 1,500m upriver to the ancient Pont del Llavador. When this project is finished, which is expected to last about 18 months, a native species will be planted and the riverside vegetation will be recovered.

Related Link: Work begins to remove giant reeds from the Gorgos riverbed

Related Link: Last stretch of Gorgos riverbed cleared up by CHJ