Engineering Services for River Restoration Projects in Brandenburg

This contract involves engineering services for the planning of river restoration measures at the Rathenow and Grütz weirs in Brandenburg, Germany. The project aims to revitalize water bodies by improving connectivity between old river arms, dismantling pipe crossings, and enhancing the flow in ditches. Additionally, the construction of crossings and paths will ensure access to all areas. The goal is to improve lateral connectivity and restore the natural flooding regime between the river and floodplain. Some measures may require formal planning approval under German water law, and the State Office for the Environment (LfU) will be the leading authority. Other measures will need water law permits and nature conservation approvals from local authorities, as all activities are within designated protection areas. The preparation of permit documents will be done for each weir separately, and the planning approval process will determine the necessity of formal planning approval. Non-approval measures will be expedited, with individual planning approvals submitted to the relevant authorities. Since the planned measures are not part of the existing management plans, a correction sheet will be created for each measure, which must be coordinated with the LfU Brandenburg before submitting the respective permit documents. The approval of these correction sheets will include an assessment of compatibility with the Habitats Directive, eliminating the need for a separate assessment.