Content,Date,SerialNumber,Title "
I. Basic information
Project Location: Shuangxi River region, River tributary of Pinglin
2. Project Overview
Houfantzkeng River began at the junction of Rueifang Township, Shuangxi Township and Pingxi Township, with about 430 meters of altitude at the Dajulin Hill, and about 502 meters at the Neiping Hill Forest. It is part of the Pinlin River tributary of the Shuangxi River basin. The River catchment area is about 95 hectares, with average annual rainfall of 3,000 mm. It is a perennial stream of water. Every time a typhoon or heavy rain season hits, the streams will flow down mixed with gravel, leading to slope collapse, destroyed river banks, and causing severe riverbed downstream siltation. The Xangsane Typhoon in 2000 and Typhoon Nari in 2001 both caused severe scouring of the bank. Therefore, this project adopts the ecological engineering methods to solve such long-standing problem.
3. Engineering Methods
Piling of series gate, cages revetment, stone revetment, raft pile revetment, and arched fixed bed
4.Project Focus
The design of the project focused on the original sandwich bank protection, parts where there is the whittling of the base around the pier foundations, raft of vegetation and rock piles were stacked to protect the river banks. Meanwhile, increasing of the porous environment would benefit the aquatic habitat. In terms of channel design, according to fluid mechanics, widening of cross-section will reduce stream flow and water drag. Arch consutructed of large stones piled as solid bed uses the principle of arch stress circle, so that the main stone and flanking stones as well as supporting stones take the impact by water, resulting in pressure rather than tension. Between water and rocks the force generated can be transmitted to the bank to improve the stability of the overall project. The piling works will also employ local people to prepare grid, to stabilize the slope, and to restore slope vegetation. The overall project includes the piling construction method, compiled gate, cages revetment, stone revetments, slope protection and arched solid pile raft beds and other works.
This project on the embankment focuses on restoration of vegetation by planting Koelreuteria, wild ginger flowers and other native plants. After restoration, it can be integrated with the surrounding natural landscape.
5. Outcome Assessment And Review
This project utilized many different engineering methods and created a variety of water habitats; and employed local people to pile series gate. It not only provided an effective solution to the cross slope collapse, and also the problem of debris blockage. It also created awareness among the local people to love their homeland.
The fixed-bed arched stones in this project utilized large stone as the main building materials, replacing the commonly seen river cement material. Stone arch with solid work not only reduces the energy of water flow, but also the formation of diverse habitats, such as pools and shoals, rapids and slow runs. The flow around the arched stone circle can form a deep pit in the center, as well as increasing oxygen in the water due to flowing water splashing against the stones. The sound of water is also beneficial to migratory fish and other aquatic animals and habitats. In addition, the use of pile raft as bank protection provides a porous environment where insects and microorganisms can be nurtured. Decaying wood piles are also the main source of river organic matter and nutrition for plants. After the plants grow, the roots can stabilize the slope, replacing the function of pile raft.
",20101214,2492,Houfantzkeng River Construction Project "1.Basic informationSite: Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan ROC
Beinan Canal Water Intake Ecological Engineering Methods Pilot Project
Beinan Canal is known as the largest hydraulic engineering project in Taitung. Taking water streams from the Beinan River through from Yanwan and spreading water throughout the entire Taitung plain. The stream flows through what is known as today's Taitung New Station, through Yong-le Township (near Feng-nian/Taitung airport), to Li-Jia Creek's north shore of the Feng-yuan embankment of Chihpen farm. The Canal stretches a total length of more than 9km, with 13 parallel branches. The entire canal spreads through the land with form similar to a comb. It is an irrigation canal capable of both water carriage and flood protection.
Combining the crowds brought in by tourism from the nearby Ligiligi Land, Little Yellow Mountain, National Museum of Prehistory, Beinan Cultural Park and more, Beinan Canal Water Park was created. The park includes water area, canal facilities, ecological education park, and more. Using the original streams formed from the canal, it creates an ecological pool, entertains crowds, and shows the true beauty of Taitung. Because of the high sand content at the rivers in the region, winds blowing from the northeast will cause severe sand and dust storms from the riverbed. The ecological pond provides refuge for the habitats in the area. The ecological pond also provides the function of sedimentation of the sand, purifying water the water, supplying as an irrigation source for the entire area, providing multifunctional benefits.
Photo of Sample Station in the First Quarter of the Year
Photo of Sample Station in the Second Quarter of the Year
Photo of Sample Station in the Third Quarter of the Year
Photo of Sample Station in the Fourth Quarter of the Year
Because of the changed riverbed heights of the original waterway, it is not possible to effectively retrieve water. Therefore, a new water inlet is set up upstream, connecting the original streams to the canal, this maintains water level, settles the sand, and creates temporary habitat for fish and shrimp. In order to retain the natural ecological environment, prevent damage of the original stream, and maintain its entirety, planning was done for the entire ecological environment landscape in order to maximize the utilization of the land.
The engineering department renovated and greenified the existing old pumping plant. The pumping plant was out of operation and is not part of the ecological engineering program. However, after the renovation and the beautification, the program was well received by the local residents, further improving the overall operation of the community and allowed continued operations for the township and the community. This accomplishes the purpose of this engineering project.
To preserve the habitats within the original stream and to provide ecological living space, the canal was connected with the original stream. This not only allows the preservation of the original ecology and its environment, it extends the nearby natural environment. Moreover, pure water is available for the plants of the entire park. As a result, Beinan Canal Water Park has become a one of the most popular tourism spots in Taitung. The Beinan Canal irrigates approximately 2500 hectares of agricultural land and provides one of the best resting and entertaining parks for tourists and local residents. Approximately 180,000 people visit the park annually. The council promotes the Triple Restoration Concept, planning water park spaces and also providing the restoration of biological habitats for the area.
Pei Kee Irrigation Association 94' Annual Agricultural Water Conservancy Construction - Ecological Engineering Method Case Report
Construction and Planning Agency, Ministry of the Interior (CPAMI)
I. Basic Profile
1. Site: Chishang Township, Taitung County, Taiwan ROC
2. Map:
Location Map
II. Engineering Description
1. Engineering Background
Chishang rice is the champion of national rice competitions, and Wan-an, Chishang Township is one of the most important place of production. Besides agricultural production, the residents of Wan-an community promote ecological conservation, understanding that the ecological pond itself represents a self-sufficient system of ecological and energy cycle enough to conserve an outdoor plant and animal system. To allow all living beings to live together in this beautiful environment, a Duck Harmonizing Ecological Regulation Pond was built. It provides an ecological refuge for habitats within the region, and it allows the visitors to see how the residents of Wan-an treats land, nature, ecology with respect and with a sustainable cultivating attitude, evoking distant memories of the most basic elements of our lives.
2. Engineering Content
One ecological pool, one hexagonal pavilion, two rafts, one wooden bridge that crosses the river, one duck shack, and vegetation.
III. Before and After Construction Comparison
Before Construction
Before Construction Figure 1
Before Construction Figure 2
After Construction
After Construction Figure 1
After Construction Figure 2
After Construction Figure 3
After Construction Figure 4
After Construction Figure 5
After Construction Figure 6
After Construction Figure 7
After Construction Figure 8
IV. Engineering Methods
Grass Fondling - In February and May of every year, weeds grow in the fields. Farmers remove the weeds manually by kneeling on both knees in the farm - a common scene in the early days at the farms. The ducks are playful in water, omnivorous and can be utilized in grass fondling, creating a way for the human and ducks to harmonize together to form an organic farming method.
Engineering Methods Schematic Diagram
V. Engineering Highlights
1. Engineering Content:
One ecological pool, one hexagonal pavilion, two rafts, one wooden bridge that crosses the river, one duck shack, and vegetation.
Floorplan
2. Design Concept:
The plan is to follow the Triple Restoration Policy, promoting ecological engineering and greenification of facilities and at the same time improve the landscape of nearly villages and communities. It not only improves the quality of life, it maintains the natural living environment and provides national recreation space forTaitung. It also provides a positive the social image for the irrigation association.
3. Engineering Results:
Originally, Wan-an Organic Ecological Park contained an organic rice area and the duck harmonizing ecological pond. Chishang township, with help from the Wan-an Community Development Association, has been granted an MOA International Certificate. The agricultural area today consists of 66 hectares of land, and all the organic rice adheres to MOA Standards. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used throughout the entire farming process, the prevention of disease is controlled by fertilizer management; the removal of pests is done by plants that repel pests or manual removal.
After the rice seedlings are planted, the farmers have great weeding help from ducks. Ducks are playful in water, omnivorous and can be can clear the farm of pests, apple snails, etc. The ducks also mix up the mud in the rice farms, creating a cloud-like base for the rice which prevents sunshine at the base, preventing weeds from photosynthesis. As a result, weed growth is reduced. This method with the ducks not only saves manual labor, it also creates an endless cycle between the land and the production system.
VI. Assessment and Review of Results
With support from the government, the association will continue towards the effort of unifying production, ecology, and living - the triple restoration - into one. Providing more water resource facilities and improving the living quality of the farmers.
VII. Sources:
1. Pei Kee Irrigation Association 94' Annual Agricultural Water Conservancy Construction - Ecological Engineering Method Case Report
2. Construction and Planning Agency, Ministry of the Interior (CPAMI)
",20120724,2503,Chishang Township Wan-an Canal Ecological Engineering Pilot Project "1. Basic Profile
Site: Kenting Stony Brook River Basin
Kenting Stony Brook Stabilizing the Slope and Providing Vegetation
2. Engineering Description
Engineering Background:
Stony Brook is situated in Kenting, Heng-chun Township, Pingtung County. Flowing out to the ocean at Grand Bay Beach. The total length of the river is approximately 6000 meters, with a total area of approximately 7.5 square kilometers. Most of the river is under general country of the Kenting National Park.
3. Before and After Construction Comparison
Before and After Construction Figure 1 | Before and After Construction Figure 2 |
Before and After Construction Figure 3 | Before and After Construction Figure 4 |
Before and After Construction Figure 5 | Before and After Construction Figure 6 |
4. Effects of Ecological Restoration
To solve the issues on the critical slope and height of collapse for a slope, modifying the slope, hanging net vegetation, solidifying the bed with stone cages, riprapping, and driving stakes into the ground are the most common mitigation methods to improve erosion and landslides. The hanging net vegetation method involves anchoring a metal net on the surface of the hill, then organic plants containing fibrous media are planted in the net. The process of mixing the fibrous media consists of mixing adhesive, fertilizer, waste-preventive agent, soil modifier, absorbent resin, and plant seeds in a mixer. A mixing agent is then planted on the slope with high pressure plant piling, allowing the agent and steel to merge completely. The agent is then watered regularly, with the occasional replanting and other maintenance jobs.
5. Engineering Methods
Hanging net vegetation, solidify the bed with stone cages, riprap.
6. Engineering Highlights
Stony Brook receives abundant water during the summer, and soil on the upstream on both riversides is exposed, the soil at mid-section of the river is exposed even more seriously due to a bend in the river. The downstream of the river turns into a gentle slope. A snake-cage slope protection was already constructed near Kenting Sewage Treatment Plant. Kenting National Park's priority are to protect the geographical landscape of the coral reef, sea, terrain, and the cliff terrain and to preserve the coral reef ecosystem by the coastal waters. During the rainy season, the increased water from the riverbed not only causes erosion of riversides, large amounts of sediments are also washed into the ocean, directly into the precious coral reef region, affecting its ecology. Therefore, Kenting National Park has started the engineering project of stabilizing and adding vegetation to the slope of Stony Brook, to protect the shores and create a new habitat for birds and butterflies. Providing both the maintenance of the marine habitats and the coral reef ecology.
7. Assessment and Review of Results
This case study is located within the Kenting National Park. During the initial stage of planning, minimal animal habitat, coral reefs, and terrestrial plants were affected as there were complete ecological data of the mitigation habits of the local birds that were referenced during construction. Construction plans and routes were also altered in order to retain the original tree species. Upon completion of this engineering project, river erosion is reduced. This results in the protection of the land and facilities on both sides of the shore, also decreasing the amount of sediment flowing into the ocean. This also facilitates the maintenance and the conservation of coral reefs and the coastal environment. Vegetation on the shores also increased local wild animal habitats, adding vigorous life and visual beauty to the environment.
8. Reference
National Ecological Engineering Fair Results Report - Published by Public Construction Commission, Executive Yuan
",20120731,2504,Kentin Stony Brook - Stabilizing the Slop and Providing Vegetation "1. Basic Profile
1. Site: A small port region located in southern Kaohsiung. Starting from Bei-lin Road, Yan-hai 2nd Road, towards the factories of China Steel Corporation to the second port of Kaohsiung port. Totaling a length of 5km, width of 60 meters, area of approximately 1200 hectares, the river spreads throughout the coastal industrial zone.
2. Maintenance Unit: Maintenance Office, Public Works Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government
Kaohsiung Saltwater Port River Wetland
2. Engineering Description
1. Project Purpose:
The Saltwater Port River is a river that spreads throughout the coastal industrial zone. Domestic and industrial wastewater has caused the river to turn into black river, like a black water ditch. Large amounts of oil, garbage, and animal carcasses are often seen on the surface of the river. A city team, motivated by the successful remediation of the Love River and Hou-jin River, decided to revitalize the Saltwater Port River in 2004. A first in remediating an industrial polluted river, turning it into ecological wetlands.
The revitalization project of the Saltwater Port River also represents that the heavy industrial companies such as China Steel and China Oil are also willing to care about the regional environment. Public sectors from the Environmental Protection Administration Executive Yuan, ROC, the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs, experts and scholars invested both fundings and efforts into revitalizing the dying river. The local residents and industries also started the concept Ecological Thinking: a river in the industrial area could also be full of beautiful natural life!
2. Engineering Background:
The Saltwater Port River is located at a small port region located at southern Kaohsiung. Starting from Bei-lin Road, Yan-hai 2nd Road, towards the factories of China Steel Corporation to the second port of Kaohsiung port. Totaling a length of 5km, width of 60 meters, area of approximately 1200 hectares.
3. Before and After Construction Comparison
The Saltwater Port River Wetland, after its remediation, loses its reputation as a Black Water Ditch The photos shown above are similation photos for after remediation.(Provided by the Public Works Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government) |
4. Effects of Ecological Restoration
Upon inspecting the water quality after remediation, it was discovered that the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and the Suspended Solids Value (SS) are indeed decreasing: The BOD during the day drops from 11.3 to 2.4; the SS drops from 18.6 to 13.1. The DO of the section of the river where the water was clean has been increase from 0 to 4.5. One can actually see fish swimming in the clear water section of the river, great egrets hunting for food. This shows that the initial effects of the ecological engineering is indeed working, providing another boost in confidence for the city team. Soon, the name Black Water Ditch will be gone from people's minds as the name of the Saltwater Port River and it will become a landscape and recreational area as an ecological river park. It is believed that in the near future, Industrial Region Parks are a goal that can be achieved.
5. Engineering Highlights
The main plan for revitalizing the Saltwater Port River is to use ecological engineering remediation. Using the original forces from nature to recreate a self-purifying river once again. Based on maintaining the green landscape of the original river, a new water stream is introduced, dividing the polluted water, and allowing the layered purification process. Pebble areas, rock areas, and swamps are set up at the shores in combination with wood piles that collect and direct the water; this increases the wetland area and therefore increases the aeration effect. The wetlands created can use the swamps to filter, settle, and absorb the polluted origin to purify the Saltwater Port River. These are done by designing and engineering artificial wetlands, underground gravel purification, overland flow, underground filtration, and creating oxidation contacts. The remediation of the Saltwater Port Wetlands has, right from the start, cooperated with the Environmental Protection Agency, Coastal Industrial region and more, and extensively discussed issues regarding the ecological wetland, industrial wastewater discharges, and promoted the importance of the ecology of the river, in hopes that it could raise the awareness and care of the river from the manufacturers of the industrial zone and local residents.
Wood piles that collect and direct water increases the wetlands area and increases the aeration effect. (Provided by the Public Works Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government) | Dividing the polluted water, allowing layered purification process. (Provided by the Public Works Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government) |
6. Assessment and Review of Results
Using ecological engineering to restore a river's self-purifying ability is a pioneering feat. The Saltwater Port River Ecological Engineering Project to Improve Water Quality was completed in end of 2005. Upon the project's completion, the upstream river from Bei-lin Road to Yan-Hai 2nd Road (approximately 800 meters) has withstood seven typhoons during construction in 2005. The careful and stable hydraulic calculations have provided safety and security for the natural rocks, marshes, and water.
7. Project Team
Public Works Bureau Director Lin Chin-Rong, Director of Engineering Planning Peng Hui-Min, Director of Hydraulic Department Peng Zhen-Sheng, Chief Dong Jing-Yue, Primary Engineer Chen Jin-Chuan, Secondary Engineer Chian Sheng-Wen.
",20120731,2505,Kaohsiung Saltwater Port River Wetland "1. Basic Profile
Site: Maopukeng Creek, Taumi Neighborhood, Pu-li Township
Maopukeng Creek Wetland Park, Taumi Neighborhood, Pu-li Township
2. Engineering Description
Taumi Neighborhood is located southwest of Pu-li Township. Six river streams flow into the region. Maopukeng Creek is one of the important creeks, and due to the steepness of the coastal terrain, there are great water level drops throughout the length of the river. Only less than 3 km of the river contains water throughout the year. Not only was Maopukang Creek irrigation source for the Taumi Neighborhood, its pure water quality was also a place for the local residents to fish for shrimp and fish. However, due to the road repairs and river renovations at the middle to lower stretches of the river in recent years, the majority of the river is now bordered by concrete on three sides. Not only are the two shores directly perpendicular to the riverbed, which makes it uneasy to maneuver up and down the shore, the riverbed has also been seriously polluted, the variety of biological life is also very low.
After the 921 earthquake and Toraji Typhoon, Taumi Neighborhood has been seriously impacted, the local residents recall from painful experiences, and have developed a Taumi independent construction team. They have decided to apply ecological engineering methods to give a new face for their lost homes: building an eco-village. Due to the concrete embankment being ruptured during the disaster, in combination with the help with a local landowner Mr. Huang Chih-Yuan, they have decided to establish the first wetland park created by combining both the ecological village and the ecological pond in Taimi Neighborhood. The wetlands park is located at the meeting point between the towards the lower city of Taumi Neighborhood and the mountain regions of Maokugeng Creek. Construction area includes 100 meters above the Maokugeng Creek Bridge, and two subdivided fish ponds were given by Mr. Huang Chih-Yuan.
3. Before and After Construction Comparison
Before and After Construction Figure 1 | Before and After Construction Figure 2 |
Before and After Construction Figure 3 | Before and After Construction Figure 4 |
4. Engineering Methods
Reinforced Concrete backing stone revetment, riprap, small ponds, and native plants.
5. Engineering Highlights
The purpose of this engineering project is, besides using ecological engineering to fix the river embankment, to create a community eco-park, allowing the landscape and surrounding hills to integrate together to create an ecologically coherent environment, becoming a good place for habitat preservation, recreational area, and habitat observation. The engineering work was to remove the concrete revetment, expand the width of the river, and install reinforced concrete backing stone revetment. The team hoped to use ecological engineering to recreate a safe, gentle, and porous river embankment. Other methods such as riprapping and creating small ponds were also used to improve the habitat of the riverbed, creating multidimensional sediment and water flow for the river. Regarding the ecological pond, the team has, with the assistance from researchers of the Endemic Species Research Institute, planted native plants and improved habitats. For the landscape development, the Taumi independent construction team expressed their creative freedom and installed Bamboo Bridge, thatched pavilion, haystacks, and creative arts such as bamboo dragonflies and bamboo frogs.
6. Assessment and Review of Results
Since the completion of construction until today, the native plants in the park have experienced luxuriant growth. The plants have slowly grown into more natural vegetation. Six months after construction completion, dragonflies, damselflies, frogs, birds, and other wildlife have migrated in and started to multiply all because of the vegetation growth. Maopukeng Creek Wetland Park has become a great recreational place due to the park’s accessibility, the natural beauty of the ponds, the approachable ecologically engineered embankment, and the interesting and original installations such as the bamboo dragonflies and thatched pavilion. As a result, Maopukeng Creek Wetland park not only became a place that provides breeding spot, food, and shelter for the local aquatic life forms, it is now also a great place for both recreation and ecological observational studies for the local residents and toursts.
7. Sources
1. Construction of the Ecological Pond/Peng Guo-Dong
2. Local partner, local hope - Taumi Independent Construction Team/Ho Zhen-Ching
",20120731,2506,"Maopukeng Creek Wetland Park, Taumi Neighborhood, Pu-li Township" "1. Basic Profile
Site: Fushing Township, Fubao Village, Changhua County
Fubao Ecological Park, Changhua County
2. Engineering Description
Engineering Background:
There are quite a variety of habitats located along the west coast of Taiwan, such as intertidal beaches, lagoons, etc., attracting large amounts of birds and life. Fubao Village is a reclaimed land from the sea during the Japanese ruled period. Due to the transition of the industries on the west coast, in combination with the fruitful revenue of the aquaculture fisheries, the entire south central coast has transitioned into fisheries. However, because of the over-pumping of groundwater, land subsidence has occurred. The cultivatable farms and paddy fields have then been abandoned or forced to be reclaimed into fisheries due to salinization of groundwater and have entered a vicious cycle. Because of these reasons, Changhua County Government and the Environmental Protection Union of Changhua seek to take full advantage of the abandoned farms and paddy fields and, through methods of ecological restoration, and seek to revive the farms.
3. Before and After Construction Comparison
Before and After Construction Figure 1 | Before and After Construction Figure 2 |
4. Effects of Ecological Restoration
Create a diversified habitat
5. Engineering Highlights
Because of the over-pumping of groundwater, land subsidence has occurred. The cultivatable farms and paddy fields have then been abandoned or forced to be reclaimed into fisheries due to salinization of groundwater and have entered a vicious cycle. Because of these reasons, Changhua County Government and the Environmental Protection Union of Changhua seek to take full advantage of the abandoned farms and paddy fields and, through methods of ecological restoration, and seek to revive the farms.
Waterfowls at Fubao Wetland | Oyster Mining Car at Fubao Wetland |
6. Assessment and Review of Results
With the strength of the unified local residents and financial support from the county government, the Fubao Ecological Park was an idea that was put forward by the local organization. This is a great example of collaboration from public and private sectors. The greatest vision of establishing the park is to restore the ecological resources of the west coast, and to revitalize the land that was abused before. The passion towards the natural environment has certainly been felt when one set foot into the park. However, some details, such as the design of the bird-watching pavilion, the usage of abandoned fisheries, and garbage issues at the intertidal zones are still problems that can be a targeted to resolve.
7. Reference
Fubao Ecological Park Explanations Manual – Environmental Protection Union of Changhua County
",20120731,2507,"Fubao Ecological Park, Changhua County" "I. Basic Profile
Site Location: Shigang Village, Puli Township, Nantou County
4th Sigang Canal Branch Ecological Engineering Project
II. Engineering Description
Project Scope:
Two ecoponds, one ecoditch channel (110 m), one ecological purification pond, one foursquare pavilion, two observation decks and one wooden plank road (131 m)
III. Before and After Construction Comparison
Before Construction
Before Construction 1 | Before Construction 2 |
Before Construction 3 | Before Construction 4 |
Before Construction 5 | Before Construction 6 |
Before Construction 7 | Before Construction 8 |
During Construction
During Construction 1 | During Construction 2 |
During Construction 3 | During Construction 4 |
During Construction 5 | During Construction 6 |
During Construction 7 | During Construction 8 |
After Construction
After Construction 1 | After Construction 2 |
After Construction 3 | After Construction 4 |
After Construction 5 | After Construction 6 |
After Construction 7 | After Construction 8 |
IV. Effect of Ecological Restoration
Expected Result:
Stone pavement techniques or soil slop techniques are deployed at the bottom of the ecopond or ecological canal revetment drainages and the bottom of the canals are not sealed. This will allow water to reach into and conserve underground water sources, and the porous space design such as for the ecopools offers an ideal habitat for frogs, fishes, shrimps, crabs and insects and recreational and education promotional fields for residents.
Result:
This ecological project connects the diverse stream conditions upstream and downstream and provides the following benefits: 1) preserving existing tree species and offering a habitat for animals and plants; 2) using local materials such as special local plants, arecas and bamboos to construct ecological the demonstration canal; 3) offering a frog habitat to breed indicative frog species and highlight local features; 4) setting up trails, pavilions and observation decks based on the ecopond and canal to offer local residents and students a site for field trips and leisure activities.
V. Engineering Highlights
Design Concept:
The 4th branch of the Sigang Canal stretches through the Chung Tai Chan Monastery next to the Sigang Creek, Sigang Village and Puli Township and is the existing farm irrigation drainage. With excellent water quality, it is sourced from the deep mountain and wild creek. The Agricultural Engineering Research Center was commissioned to conduct researches on the species and ecology of this canal before the project design and it was revealed in the study that this canal contains rich fish resources – at least seven families, 11 species and five Taiwan endemic species. The quantity of each species is very high and it is worthwhile to preserve the ecology. However, as the canal is very narrow and can not offer an ideal living space for fishes and shrimps, they are generally very small. To restore natural ecology, improve the habitats, beautify the surrounding environments and offer residents an excellent location for their ecological education and recreational activities, the ecological project is hence implemented. Soil drainages with unsealed bottom are adopted for the project, the depth of the canal is increased and natural and environmental friendly materials such as grassy slope, gravel, wood pile, tire, bamboo pile and stone are used to create a porous living environment for fishes, shrimps and insects. Ecofiltering ponds are deployed along with ecoponds and ecoislands to filter sediments and create a breeding ground for large fishes, aquatic life and insects. The river alluvial demonstration canals, trails, observation decks and pavilions are set up for the purpose of ecological education and leisure activities. We expect that this project, upon its completion, can serve as a demonstration site for ecological education, contribute to the conservation effort for the ecological environment in Taiwan and achieve the goals of production, life and ecology.
VI. Result Assessment and Review
(I) High project cost: the materials used for the ecoengineering techniques are very complicated, difficult to deploy and costly. With the addition of waterfront and landscape facilities, the project cost has soared.
(II) Onsite stones, woods and plants should be first considered as materials for the ecoengineering techniques. During the farm waterway renovation project, there are almost no materials we can acquire onsite and we must acquire them from an outside source, but this will disrupt the ecology of the outside source.
VII. Reference
Pei Kee Irrigation Association 94' Annual Agricultural Water Conservancy Construction - Ecological Engineering Method Case Report
",20121109,2508,4th Sigang Canal Branch Ecological Engineering Project "I. Basic Profile
1. Site Location: Fenyuan Township, Changhua County
2. Map:
Location Map
II. Engineering Description
Stone pavement techniques or soil slop techniques are deployed at the bottom of the ecopond revetment drainages and the bottom of the pond is not sealed. This will allow water to reach into and conserve underground water sources, and the porous space design such as the stone pavement and fish farm offers an ideal habitat for frogs, fishes, shrimps, crabs and insects and recreational and education promotional fields for residents. Additionally, the pollutant absorbing plants, grown following the self-purification principle, in the upstream section are deployed to purify water quality for both the river and pond.
III. Before and After Construction Comparison
Before Construction:
Before Construction 1 | Before Construction 2 |
Before Construction 3 | Before Construction 4 |
Before Construction 5 | Before Construction 6 |
Before Construction 7 | Before Construction 8 |
During Construction:
During Construction 1 | During Construction 2 |
During Construction 3 | During Construction 4 |
During Construction 5 | During Construction 6 |
During Construction 7 | During Construction 8 |
After Construction:
After Construction 1 | After Construction 2 |
After Construction 3 | After Construction 4 |
After Construction 5 | After Construction 6 |
After Construction 7 | After Construction 8 |
IV. Engineering Methods
Stone pitching, soil slope and riprap techniques are deployed and the unsealed bottom of the ecopond is implemented. This will facilitate infiltration of water, and trails and observation decks are both constructed to offer a recreational field for residents. Additionally, native plants such as water willows and China trees are grown to protect the bank, and gravels and embedded fish tanks are deployed to enlarge the habitat spaces for creatures resting here.
Engineering Methods Schematic Diagram
V. Engineering Highlights
1. Project Scope:
Side slope treatment (600 m), three plank decks, two wooden platforms, one bridge bike way and one interlocking concrete paver trail (343 m)
2. Design Concept:
After the 921 earthquake, typhoons and cloudbursts in recent years, the side slope of the Chaofeng Pond has severely collapsed, resulting in deposited trash and overgrown weeds. Also, the pond is polluted by wastewater discharged from pig farms upstream. Considering the overall view of the surrounding areas and preservation of local ecology, this side slope treatment project is implemented to offer a recreational site for local residents along with the lake bikeways and trails. Additionally, pollutant absorbing plants, grown following the self-purification principle, in the upstream section are deployed to purify water quality for the pond. We expect that this project, upon its completion, can meet the purposes of ecological restoration, water purification and leisure recreation, contribute to the conservation effort for the ecological environment in Taiwan and achieve the goals of production, life and ecology.
3. Engineering Result:
Stone pavement techniques or soil slope techniques are deployed at the bottom of the ecopond revetment drainages and the bottom of the pond is not sealed. This will allow water to reach into and conserve underground water sources, and the porous space design such as the stone pavement and fish farm offers an ideal habitat for frogs, fishes, shrimps, crabs and insects and recreational and education promotional fields for residents.
VI. Result Assessment and Review
1. Materials used for the ecoengineering techniques are very complicated, difficult to deploy and costly. With the addition of waterfront and landscape facilities, the project cost becomes higher. If authorities cannot adopt them, the subsequent administrative and maintenance expenses will be higher, and so, a leeway for the budget is advised.
2. Onsite stones, woods and plants should be first considered as materials for the ecoengineering techniques. During the pond and canal renovation project, there are almost no materials we can acquire onsite and we must acquire them from outside sources, but this will disrupt the ecology of the outside sources.
VII. Reference:
1. Pei Kee Irrigation Association 94’ Annual Agricultural Water Conservancy Construction – Ecological Engineering Method Case Report
2. Endemic Species Research Institute
",20121109,2509,Chaofeng Pond Ecological Project (Phase II) "I. Basic Profile
1. Site: Beinan Township, Taitung County
2. Maintenance or responsible departments: Taitung Irrigation Association
Location Map
II. Engineering Description
1. Project Background
Passing through Danan Village and the Chihpen and Jianhe regions, the Shemagan Canal is a critical source for farm irrigation, and associated agriculture produces include alligator apples (Taitung’s specialty fruit), bananas and Florist's Daisy. To promote the PLE concept (produce, life and ecology) and integrate with community activities (Rukai’s Harvest Festival), the Taitung Irrigation Association developed a greenification design for the surrounding areas of the sediment deposit pond, leased the swamp and wetland from Jhihben Farm and combined the leisure and recreational activities to build a more ecologically friendly environment and landscapes for the region. Meanwhile, restoration works are carried out to breed native creatures and unique views in the nearby areas are all included in the overall design to present a new look of Taitung and promote local prosperity.
2. Project Objective
Not far from the madding crowd, but distinctively separated from it – next to the sediment deposit pond are facilities such as antique waterwheels, rock formations and pavilions set to arouse nostalgic sentiments, and the beautiful park is constructed to connect the dikes and extend the view. All the designs have turned this barren land into beautiful sceneries that feature flourishing flowers and greenish grass and perfectly match the surrounding mountains and rivers. Aquatic and terrestrial plants and bushes are grown in the ecopond area to offer a restful space for insects and birds, preserve the elegant pond and fish, shrimp and clam species in the Lijia River and maintain the integrity of aquatic ecology for the region while making the pond and surrounding areas more green, refreshing and spacious.
III. Before and After Construction Comparison
After Construction 1 | After Construction 2 |
After Construction 3 | After Construction 4 |
IV. Engineering Methods
Natural cohesive soils are used at the bottom of this ecopond and the large stones acquired onsite are stacked up to form a revetment and preserve water with the gravel layer. This ensures a habitat for the ecology in the nearby Lijia River and decorates the irrigation facilities.
V. Engineering Highlights
1. Project Scope
This project aims to greenify the surrounding areas of the Shemagan Canal sediment deposit pond and integrates nearby tourism resources, including Danan Village, Chihpen, the National Museum of Prehistory and Taitung University, to attract visitors. Leisure attractions inside communities are considered in the project, and the natural swamps are renovated to create the ecopond to demonstrate the production (irrigation), life (dike trails and pavilions) and ecology (ecopond) achievements. In responding to the effort to upgrade the local economy into a quality agriculture and leisure and tourism agriculture oriented one, besides the existing services, local companies also adopt the business diversification approach to accomplish sacred missions - sustainable ecology, overall community development, creation of quality of waterfront space, creation of new views for local environments and stimulation of the local economy. They further work with the PLE policy promoted by the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, to realize the vision: developing quality, safe, leisurely, and ecological modern agriculture and improving living quality for all residents.
2. Engineering Result:
Result:
The Shemagan Canal Ecoengineering Technique Pilot Project has added a touch of green to both the dikes and communities. It not only offers a site for nearby residents to host their activities and enjoy outdoor activities, but will be extended to offer a recreational and educational field for students from the Chihpen Campus, Taitung University in the future. The excellent water quality and quantity make the Shemagan Canal an ideal source for farm irrigation and water consumption at the Chihpen Campus. It is very enjoyable to take a break at the tall wooden pavilion and look into the distance. Besides the pleasant views of the Lijia River, the ecopond below also feels very peaceful and elegant. Under the guidance of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, we continue to implement greenification and ecological improvement projects for the canals and sediment deposit pond areas. Besides the irrigation function, we further hope to remind everyone about this wonderful recreational site. Deep down, we hope to cater both entertaining and educational experiences toward our visitors and encourage them to spend their free time here, further emphasize the codependent relationships between water, nature and men and promote the effort to preserve ecology.
VI. Reference
1. Pei Kee Irrigation Association 94' Annual Agricultural Water Conservancy Construction - Ecological Engineering Method Case Report
2. Ecology and Ecotechnique website
3. Taitung Irrigation Association website
",20121109,2510,Shemagan Canal Eco-engineering Technique Pilot Project "1. Basic Profile
1. Site: Zhenshan Village, Yuanshan Township, Ilan County
2. Maintenance or responsible departments: Pei Kee Irrigation Association
Location Map
II. Engineering Description
1. Goal
Stone pavement techniques are deployed at the bottom of the revetment drainages and canal and the bottom of the canal is not sealed. This will allow water to reach into and conserve underground water sources, and the porous space design offers an ideal habitat for frogs, small fishes and insects.
2. Project Scope
Stone pavement (150 m), sleeper plank road (87 m), trail (255m) and flower bed. The structures: one arch bridge, one pavilion, one landscape stone, and two sets of marble tables and chairs.
III. Before and After Construction Comparison
Before Construction:
Before Construction 1 | Before Construction 2 |
Before Construction 3 | Before Construction 4 |
Before Construction 5 | Before Construction 6 |
Before Construction 7 | Before Construction 8 |
During Construction:
During Construction 1 | During Construction 2 |
During Construction 3 | During Construction 4 |
During Construction 5 | During Construction 6 |
During Construction 7 | During Construction 8 |
After Construction:
After Construction 1 | After Construction 2 |
After Construction 3 | After Construction 4 |
After Construction 5 | After Construction 6 |
After Construction 7 | After Construction 8 |
IV. Engineering Method
Gravels are filled into the slope protection facility and the corrosion resistance filter layer is deployed to allow water to reach the soil underneath, and porous space is created at the bottom.
Engineering Methods Schematic Diagram
V. Engineering Highlights
1. Floor plan
Floor Plan
2. Design Concept:
(1) The island in the pond is protected with paved rock blocks: the dry masonry block stones are stacked to create a porous environment for fishes, shrimps and crabs to live in.
(2) Pavilions and marble chairs and tables are installed on the island and decorated with green plants to offer visitors a place to rest.
(3) All fragmented trails are connected to form a complete lake trail for visitors to enjoy the view of the entire site.
(4) The corrosion resistance filter layer is deployed inside the stones to ensure environmental quality and prevent sediment loss.
3. Expected Result
(1) Create PLE features (produce, life and ecology).
(2) The lake trail is constructed encircling the lake, allowing residents to jog, stroll or exercise, and makes this an excellent recreational spot in early morning, dusk and holidays to improve the health of the residents.
(3) The pond is located behind Hushan Elementary School, Zhenshan Village and is a great choice for a field trip for students, and their view is more or less improved because of the lush pond.
(4) The sleeper plank road and arch bridge are constructed in the pond to connect the trail to the island, and an ecoisland is also built. They not only provide a better flow, but also allow visitors to enjoy the rich ecological resources here.
VI. Reference:
1. Pei Kee Irrigation Association 94' Annual Agricultural Water Conservancy Construction - Ecological Engineering Method Case Report
2. Endemic Species Research Institute
",20121109,2511,Wanlong Pond Ecological Project "I. Basic Information
The location of ecological restoration for this case is at a slope-lang near Shanlin Junior High School, which is located in Yuemei Village, Shanlin District, Kaohsiung City. The torrent is a tributary of Cishan River (or Nanzihsian River). The location of this torrent is illustrated in Figure 1, with a TWD_67 coordinate as follows: X : 201805, Y: 2540669.
Figure 1. Location of the revetment restoration construction of the torrent in Shezijiao
II. Focus of River Restoration
Ecological restoration was started for the torrent near Shanlin Junior High School because that particular area was designated as the “ShanLin Love Ecological Village.” The focus of river restoration for that area was to create porous river banks by constructing engineering structures using local materials and reinforced concrete following the environmental plans for that area. The porous river banks were expected to provide a habitat for animals and plants to grow and develop. Furthermore, these structures could offer disaster prevention functions and could facilitate river restoration.
III. Construction Overview
The “Drainage Rectification Construction Near Shanlin Junior High School (98CR4-01)” was executed by the Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau. The project was initiated to increase the life quality of farmers by speeding up the planning and construction of rural rejuvenation as well as the planning and reconstructing rural settlements. The project was designed and superintended by Yang Ying Hung Civil Engineering Office and executed by Alexander Construction Limited Company. Construction works began on November 27, 2009 and were completed on June 5, 2010. The total expenditures amounted to approximately NTD15.29 million. There were eight construction sites. Table 1 shows the construction content and Figure 2 shows the construction configurations.
Table 1. Content of the Drainage Rectification Construction Near Shanlin Junior High School in each sites
Site | Construction Content |
Line A Area A | Stone revetment construction (121 m), two sealing walls, one bridge reconstruction work (Zhao-Yun No. 1 Bridge) |
Line A Area B | Stone revetment construction (168 m), four sealing walls |
Line A Area C | Stone revetment construction (227 m), four sealing walls |
Line A Area D | Stone revetment construction (135 m), five sealing walls |
Line A Area E | Stone revetment construction (158 m), four sealing walls |
Line B Area A | Stone revetment construction (94 m), two sealing walls |
Site F | Gravity walls (51.3 m) |
Site G | Gravity walls (159.6 m), road construction (119.8 m) |
Figure 2. Site distribution of the Drainage Rectification Construction Near Shanlin Junior High School
IV. Pre- and Post-Construction
Graphs and photographs of the Drainage Rectification Construction Near Shanlin Junior High School were collected in this case. Through these engineering data, river course environments before the rectification construction can be observed. The filed survey of this case was conducted on November 11, 2010. The following photographs show the river course environment during the survey.
Photograph 1. The river course and nearby environments before and after the rectification construction
V. Project Results
The ecological restoration project for the torrent near Shanlin Junior High School was conducted by the Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau to speed up the planning and construction of rural rejuvenation, reconstruct and enhance the planning of rural settlements, and improve the life quality of farmers. However, related records and data describe only the cause of this project, but do not specify indicators and methods used to evaluate project results. Therefore, the evaluation of the results of this project was completed based on engineering graphic data and field surveys of the environments.
The original river rectification construction mostly adopted reinforced concrete to build structures such as revetments and ground sills, which break the vertical and horizontal continuity of the river corridor. The torrent ecological restoration focused on the reconstruction of revetments. Materials were all natural, and the revetments were constructed using masonry methods to increase the natrualness of the revetments and provide more pores for plants and animals to grow and develop. These designs help increase the biodiversity of that area.
In this case study, two field surveys were conducted on November, 2010, and June, 2012. The results showed good conditions of vegetation rehabilitation at masonry revetments (Photograph 2). River segments that were vulnerable to water erosion have been rectified by building stone revetments (Photograph 3). In general, the ecological restoration construction for this area has been created, planned and developed according to the environment of the “Shanlin Love Ecological Village.” Although the project is still under construction, the current progress has already shown signs of positive results. It is suggested that communal resources can be combined in the future. Furthermore, specific restoration goals and post-construction monitoring plans can be established to facilitate the evaluation of project performance.
VI. Restoration Project Evaluation
The ecological restoration project for the torrent near Shanlin Junior High School was evaluated using the post-project appraisal method (Downs & Kondolf, 2002). The evaluation results are recorded in Table 2.
Evaluation results were generated through data collection and field surveys. The ecological restoration project for the torrent near Shanlin Junior High School has been a crucial part of the environmental creation and plans of the “ Shanlin Love Ecological Village.” The rectification construction adopted mostly natural materials to reconstruct the revetments, thereby increasing the overall biodiversity of the environment. However, the restoration project does not have a specific goal, and basic river data and surveys regarding drainage basin ecology and water quality are not available. Moreover, because the design concept of this project was not completely recorded, related surveys and monitoring plans after the completion of the project have been insufficient. The insufficiency of the aforementioned data is unfavorable to the improvement of future river restoration plans and cannot serve as a reference for similar cases. Also, project results can hardly be evaluated, which is something that should be corrected soon in the future.
Table 2. Evaluation results of the ecological restoration for the torrent near Shanlin Junior High School
Monitoring Item | Evaluation Result | Description |
Project goals and standards | Unspecified | Project goals and standards were not set. Only the cause of rectification construction was recorded. |
Collection and surveys of basic information | Incomplete | The restoration project involves only the rectification construction. No related basic information was collected or surveyed in addition to the measurement works required for construction executions. |
Design concept | Incomplete | Field surveys found that stand post of the area plan was erected, but the design concept was not specified in related graphical data and records. |
Design graph | Incomplete | Engineering graphs include only floor plans and design drawings, but hydraulic analysis data are absent. |
Preliminary completion survey | Insufficient | After the construction, only construction inspection works were conducted. No related preliminary completion surveys were conducted. In addition, there were still ongoing construction at the river segment. |
Post-construction monitoring plans | Insufficient | There was no related monitoring plans. |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Needed | This case conducted two field surveys on November, 2010 and June, 2012, respectively, and graphical data were collected. |
References
1. Design Budget Documents and Engineering Design Graphs for the Drainage Rectification Construction Near Shanlin Junior High School, Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, 2009.
2. X. W., Wang, Y. W., Su, & Q. D. Zhan (2012), “Post-Project Appraisals in River Restoration-Case Studies of Love River in Kaohsiung and Kao-Shan Creek in Taichung,” Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2): 39-53.
3. Downs, P. W. and Kondolf, G. M. (2002), “Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration,” Environmental Management, 29(4): 477-496.
I. Basic information
The stream corridor restoration section in this case is located along side Cihciaojie, next to Long-Du elementary school in Long-Du neighborhood of Meinong District, Kaohsiung City. This stream is the upstream stream of Zhumen Canal, which is part of the Meinong Creek tributary. For location reference, please see Map 1. Its reference coordinates are TWD_67 coordinate system X: 207028, Y: 2532090.
Map 1.?Shezaijiao stream embankment restoration project location
II. Focus of stream and stream restoration
The focus of Chadingjieh stream corridor restoration was to renovate the riverbanks originally collapsed by erosion from typhoon torrential rains. The project used construction structures to stabilize the riverbanks and restore the stream corridor. Stream corridor restoration method utilized plate molding and concrete embankment as the basis for the lower level of the embankment. This enhanced the strength of the embankments and reduced the smoothness of the wall surface. The upper level of the embankments was formed using prefabricated artificial cement blocks, which provided space for vegetation and facilitates riverbank vegetation restoration.
III. Project overview
Chadingjieh Stream Restoration Project (98S-ADE-04-4-241) was implemented by the Tainan branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan. Yu Zhen Consultants Ltd. Designed and supervised this project, and Jia Zhou Civil Engineering carried out the construction. The work began on July 10, 2009, and was completed on November 16, 2009. The cost for the project was approximately NTD 3.722 million. The management project for this case was initiated by the serious erosion of the riverbank side slopes (caused by torrential rain produced by Typhoons Kalmaegi and Phoenix, 2008), which was endangering neighboring roads and houses. The construction content of this renovation project included Type A embankment works 47.5 m, Type B embankment works 149 m, tributary confluence and ecological slope, and 10 groundsill works. For construction configurations, please reference Figure 1.
IV. Pre and post project comparison
This case collected existing Chadingjieh Stream Restoration Project documents and photographic data. The stream environment condition prior to the management project was obtained through project document and photographic record data (please reference the photos). This case conduced a site inspection on November 11, 2010 and June 26, 2012. For stream environment conditions during the inspection, please reference the pictures.
Picture 1. Stream environment overview before and after the restoration project
Figure 1.?Chadingjieh stream restoration project floor configuration drawing
V. Project results
The results of the Chadingjieh stream corridor restoration project was evaluated through three different site inspection during different time periods. It was found that prior to the management project, this section of the stream only had a reinforced embankment of approximately 60 m. Erosion and collapse of the riverbank caused by typhoon torrential rains increased the flood potential in this stream section, and may possibly endanger neighboring roads and residents. After the management project, the stream banks in this stream section were not damaged after enduring Typhoon Morakot (2009/8) and 0610 torrential rain (2012/6), and had good vegetation restoration (Picture 2). Therefore, the results of this project were significant.
Picture 2. Overview of the stream environment during different periods
VI. Evaluation of the restoration project
Chadingjieh Stream Corridor Restoration Project evaluation used Post-project Appraisals (PPAs) (Downs and Kondolf, 2002). For evaluation results, please see Table 1.
Based on collected data and site inspection evaluation results, this case did not have clear project objectives or standards for success. Relevant data only recorded that the construction project was to prevent flooding. This project did not conduct any basic environmental information collection or survey work prior to the start of the project, only measurement work, and did not have any records or descriptions related to design concepts. Although design documents have configuration and design drawings, it lacked acceptance statement diagrams and hydrological analysis information. There were no survey works done after initial completion of the project and no monitoring plan for after the completion of the project. Therefore, the evaluation work for this case used collected data, project documents, the two site inspections, and the record of the inspections. The above described missing or incomplete data is detrimental to the improvement of other similar future river restoration projects and to using this project as a case example. The missing documents also make it hard to implement project effectiveness evaluation.
Table 1.? Kuling Creek restoration project evaluation results
Viewed items | Evaluation results | Description |
Project objective and success standards | Unclear | Only describe the project as for flood prevention, and to protect neighboring roads and residents. Did not set project objectives or standards for success. |
Basic data collection and investigation | Incomplete | Only implemented measurement work and photographic records for pre-project inspections. |
Design concept | Missing | Did not clarify design concepts |
Design drawings | Incomplete | Missing acceptance statement diagrams and hydrological analysis information |
Survey upon initial completion | Missing | None |
Post-completion monitoring plan | Missing | None |
Auxiliary analysis procedure | Required | Implement second site inspection work |
VII. References
1. Chadingjieh Stream Restoration Project design estimation document, project design diagrams, Tainan branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, 2009.
2. Wong, Su, and Jen (2012), “Post-Project Appraisals in Stream Restoration Case Studies of Love Stream in Kaohsiung and Kao-Shan Creek in Taichung,”Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Engineering, Vol. 58, No. 2, pg. 39-53.
3. Downs, P. W. and Kondolf, G. M. (2002), “Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of stream channel restoration,” Environmental Management, 29(4): 477~496.
I. Basic information
The stream in this case is one of the Laonong River tributary streams in Shezaijiao area of Baolai neighborhood in Kaohsiung City’s Liugui District. Its reference geographical location coordinates are TWD_67 coordinate system X: 217175, Y: 2555123.
Figure 1.?Shezaijiao stream embankment restoration project location
II. Focus of river and stream restoration
The focus of Shezaijiao stream embankment restoration was to use natural and locally obtain materials, combined with reinforced concrete, to construct a rectifying structure. This produced a porous riverbank which provided ecological habitats for animal and plant growth. This restoration project provided river embankments that serve both disaster prevention and ecological functions.
III. Project overview
Baolai Village Shezaijiao Stream Renovation Project (97S-WF-4-S02-002) was implemented by the Tainan branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, which included design and supervision. The work was carried out by Yao Yu Construction Ltd. The work began on April 1, 2008, and was completed on July 1, 2008. The construction cost was approximately NTD 5.03 million, and the construction content included dry stone masonry wall 512.6m (H=2.5m), six partition walls, 11 groundsill works, 1 submerged dam 1(spillway H=2.5m, L=6.5m), etc. A site inspection by the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau in 2007 found that the twisting stream has caused erosion of farmlands on both banks of the stream. The river also has bridge and road crossings, which showed partial slope subsidence. Therefore, the renovation of this stream proposed, and the project was assigned to the Tainan branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan for implementation. The focus of this project was to strengthen the foundation bearing surface in this section of the stream to prevent subsidence. For profiles of the stream environment, please refer to Pictures 1 – 6.
IV. Pre and post project comparison
This case collected existing Baolai Village Shezaijiao Stream Renovation Project document information. Pre renovation project stream environment was obtained from the budget document information (see Picture 7). Because this record information did not have any related annotations, it was difficult to determine the time and location the picture was taken. A site inspection was conducted for this case on May 23, 2011. To see the stream environment during the inspection, please reference Pictures 1 – 6.
Picture 7.?Overview of stream environment prior to the renovation project
V. Project results
Shezaijiao stream embankment restoration did not have a clearly set project objective and only have a general description of its origins. A construction project was used to restore stream embankments. Comparison of structural functions from different period pictures show that the stream embankment restoration was still primarily for flood prevention. Hydrological analysis and hydrodynamic calculations show that the stream as a flood discharge stream with a structural flood peak reoccurrence of 50 years. This project renovated the original eroded stream bank with less significant waterway. Because this project did not set an quantifiable evaluation index or parameter, this project used a comparison of the stream environment historic pictures from the site inspections to evaluate the performance of project objectives. The results can be evaluated as good.
VI. Evaluation of the restoration project
Shezaijiao Stream Embankment Restoration Project evaluation used Post-project Appraisals (PPAs) (Downs and Kondolf, 2002). For evaluation results, please see Table 1.
After collection of data and site inspection evaluation results, this study only described the origin of this project without any clear project objectives or standards of success. This project did not conduct any basic environmental information collection or survey work prior to the start of the project, only measurement work. There were no records or descriptions related to design concept. Design documents have configuration drawings, design drawings, acceptance statement diagrams and hydrological analysis information. There were no survey works done after initial completion of the project and no monitoring plan for after the completion of the project. Therefore, to conduct evaluation work, this case used collected data and project documents to conduct site inspections, and recorded relevant inspection results. Using the above evaluation results, it was found that except for missing items in the pre-construction stage, other relevant and existing data were kept in a more complete fashion. This was advantageous to the evaluation of the restoration project. However, the lack of clear project objectives or standards for success made it difficult to conduct a more precise or quantitative evaluation of the restoration project. The lack of basic information survey and design concepts makes it difficult to deliberate improvement methods for disaster factor analysis and improvement methods if future damage occurs. Therefore, it will be difficult to use this case as a reference for similar projects in the future.
Table 1.?Kuling Creek restoration project evaluation results
Viewed items | Evaluation results | Description |
Project objective and success standards | Unclear | Only descried this project as strengthening the foundation bearing surface to prevent subsidence. There were no clearly stated objectives or success standards. |
Basic data collection and investigation | Incomplete | Only stream measurement work, no basic information survey. |
Design concept | Missing | None |
Design drawings | Complete | Estimation documents, design drawings, acceptance statement diagrams. |
Survey upon initial completion | Missing | None |
Post-completion monitoring plan | Missing | None |
Auxiliary analysis procedure | Required | site inspection |
VII. References
1. Baolai Village Shezaijiao Stream Renovation Project Design Estimation document, project design diagrams, Tainan branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan 嚗?009??br />2. Wong, Su, and Jen (2012), “Post-Project Appraisals in River Restoration Case Studies of Love River in Kaohsiung and Kao-Shan Creek in Taichung,”Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Engineering, Vol. 58, No. 2, pg. 39-53.
3. Downs, P. W. and Kondolf, G. M. (2002), “Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration,” Environmental Management, 29(4): 477~496.
I. Basic Information
Kuling River, also know as Dashipan River, is a prefecture administered river located at Southern Taiwan. The mainstream has a length of approximately 4 km, and the river basin area is 6.08 km2. The river spreads across Shihtzu Township and Fangshan Township in Pingtung County.
The main stream originates to the west of Zhukeng Village, Shihtzu Township, and flows toward west to Fangshan Township. The river than joins the Taiwan Strait from the west of No. 385 Bridge of Ping-E Highway (No. 26 Provincial Highway). Figure 1 shows the water distribution and drainage basin of the river.
Figure 1. Water distribution of Dashipan River
II. Focus of River Restoration
According to the announcement of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Kuling River is potentially highly vulnerable to debris flows. This river is numbered PingCounty DF048. The definition of debris flow potential is determined by the natural conditions that are attributable to debris flows by factors including whether secured objects exist in the affected area. After comprehensive evaluations, rivers and gullies can be evaluated whether they are vulnerable to debris flows. In addition, the middle and lower reach of Kuling River is now considered and developed by the competent authority to promote tourism; therefore, the focus of Kuling River restoration is to prevent debris flows and create scenery and recreation environments.
III. Construction Overview
In the past years, four periods of rectification construction for Kuling River have been conducted by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau from 2004 to 2011. Please refer to Table 1 for related rectification information.
Table 1. Past Kuling River rectification construction projects
Number | Construction Order | Construction Name | X(TWD67) | Y(TWD67) |
1 | 93WS02-227 | Kuling River Rectification Construction | 219283 | 2451434 |
2 | 94WS01-046 | The Second Kuling River Torrent Rectification Construction | 218280 | 2451021 |
3 | 95WE228-021 | Kuling River Rectification and Maintenance Construction | 218302 | 2451025 |
4 | 97S-WF-4-T02-005 | The Third Kuling River Rectification Construction | 218594 | 2451217 |
Data source: Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, 2012.
The following sections are brief explanations of the rectification construction projects in each year.
1. Kuling River Rectification Construction
The Kuling River Rectification Construction was designed and superintended by Li-Da Construction Consulting Company, and the construction was executed by Sheng-Xiang Construction Company. The project was completed on February 16, 2005. The total expenditures were approximately 23.66 million NT dollars. The project comprised of two slit dams, one 197-m revetment, one short spur dam, one arched bridge, 11 ground sills, and one 197-m pre-cast railing with wood texture. The rectification was started because debris flows occurred this area during seasons of typhoons and torrential rain. These natural disasters significantly damaged residents lives and properties. The construction project was then initiated to protect agricultural lands and houses at the river bank, prevent river bank erosion, and reduce debris flow damages. Photograph 1 and 2 present the river course and nearby environments.
Photograph 1. The river course and nearby environments of the Kuling River Rectification Construction, shot from the scenic bridge toward the upstream.
Photograph 2. The river course and nearby environments of the Kuling River Rectification Construction, shot from the scenic bridge toward the downstream.
2. The Second Kuling River Torrent Rectification Construction
The second Kuling River Torrent Rectification Construction was designed by the Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau (originally, the fourth construction department of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau). Completed on December 26, 2005, the project was superintended by Yuan-Yu Construction Consulting Company and executed by Tong-Shin Construction Limited Company. The total expenditure was approximately 13.93 million NT dollars. The project comprised one 236-m revetment, six ground sills, an entrance image decoration, two flower shelves, one scenic platform, two hexagonal scenic lookout, one 45-m wooden path, one 270-m granite slate trail, six flat chairs, three granite tables and chairs, 165 sets of rosewood barriers, and a green construction work made of plants. Photographs 3 and 4 show an overview of river course environment.
Photograph 3. Upstream river course environments of the second Kuling River Torrent Rectification Construction
Photograph 4. Downstream river course environments of the second Kuling River Torrent Rectification Construction
3. Kuling River Rectification and Maintenance Construction
The Kuling River Rectification and Maintenance Construction was designed and superintended by Zhan-Shin Civil Engineering Office and executed by Jia-Chuan Construction Limited Company. The project was completed on December 4, 2006. The total expenditures were approximately 7.85 million NT dollars. There were two construction sites. The first site consisted of one 138-m stone revetment, 550-m2 of grass bricks for parking lot and connecting roads, 162 m of precast PC brick retaining walls, three plants settings surrounded by stone blocks, 103.5 m (69 blocks) of wooden railings, one 200-m stone plate trail, 3095 m2 of turfs, one parking sign, three climbers (climbing figs), 500 shrubs, and 60 trees. Photographs 5 and 6 illustrate an overview of the river course environment. The second site consisted of 53 stone revetments, two ground sills, 90 m of trail maintenance, two wooden bridge, one 118.5-m wooden railing, one 34-m stone plate trail, 1200 m2 of turfs, two parking signs, 500 shrubs, 20 trees, one bridge railing maintenance, one PC trail relocation and restoration, and one 12-m box culvert (1.5*2 m). Photograph 7 shows an overview of the river course environment. The purpose of this construction was to reinforce the rectification of the river drainage basin. The riverbed was then protected from erosion to achieved the goal of maintaining agricultural lands and slopes at the two sides of the river.
Photograph 5. Overview of the environments of Kuling River Rectification and Maintenance Construction (Site 1)
Photograph 6. Overview of the upstream environments of Kuling River Rectification and Maintenance Construction (Site 1)
Photograph 7. Overview of the environments of Kuling River Rectification and Maintenance Construction (Site 2)
4. The Third Kuling River Rectification Construction
The Third Kuling River Rectification Construction was designed and superintended by Yao-Ding Construction Consulting Company and executed by Kun-Chi Construction Limited Company. The project was completed on August 25, 2008, with construction expenditures of 9.9356 million NT dollars. The construction project included 277.86 m of concrete masonry revetments, type T bridge, three type-1 masonry drop works, two type-1 masonry ground sills, two type-2 ground sills, six cut-off walls, and 140 m of construction accesses. The rectification was initiated because no riverbank protection facilities were constructed in that area. Water has chronically eroded the slopes, resulting riverbank landslides and soil loss. The lives and properties for local residents have been at risks; therefore, this construction project was planned. Photographs 8 and 9 display an overview of river course environments.
Photograph 8. Overview of the upstream environments of the Third Kuling River Rectification Construction, shot from the type-T bridge.
Photograph 9. Overview of the downstream environments of the Third Kuling River Rectification Construction, shot from the type-T bridge.
IV. Pre- and Post-Construction
Through photograph records, a comparison of the environments of the river restoration construction can be observed. The table below shows river course variations during differing construction periods.
V. Project Results
Experiencing years of rectification construction, restoration for Kuling River aims to prevent debris flows and create scenery. No specific goal has been set for the project. Depending on the types of rectification construction structures, corresponding functions and purposes can be preliminarily determined. Therefore, results of the Kuling River restoration project can be verified using field surveys and construction drawings. The results show that the overall river course is in a great condition, and since the completion of the construction work no significant debris flow occur, despite several signs of landslides at the uphill of middle and upstream river bank (Photograph 10). Several structures have been slightly damaged (Photograph 11). Some scenic and recreational facilities, nonetheless, are covered by vegetations, unaccessible, and unusable because of lack of maintenance and management (Photograph 12). However, river restoration plans do not possess definite evaluation standards and purposes, project results can hardly be evaluated, but the current status of the river implies that the restoration results are satisfactory.
Photograph 10. Uphill landslides at the river bank (TWD67 X:219308; Y:2451381)
Photograph 11. Damages to several rectification construction structures
Photograph 12. Scenic and recreational facilities that are partially covered by vegetations
VI. Restoration Project Evaluation
The project of Kuling River restoration was evaluated using the post project appraisal evaluation method (Downs & Kondolf, 2002). Evaluation results are recorded in Table 2.
Evaluation results were generated through data collection and field surveys. The restoration of Kuling River has focused on the prevention of debris flows and floods, as well as the development of mountain hiking, recreation, and tourism. However, the restoration project did not have a specific goal. Additionally, the river is potentially highly vulnerable to debris flows, and, therefore, diversified development such as ecological restoration can not be easily achieved. Moreover, basic river data and surveys regarding drainage basin ecology and water quality are not available, and, because the design concept of the project is restricted to aspects of water and soil conservation, related surveys and monitoring plans after the completion of the project have been insufficient. The insufficiency of the aforementioned data is unfavorable to the improvement of future river restoration plans and cannot serve as a reference for similar cases.
Table 2. Evaluation results of the restoration project of Kuling River
Monitoring Item | Evaluation Result | Description |
Project goals and standards | Unspecified | Project goals and standards were not set. Only the cause of rectification construction was recorded. |
Collection and surveys of basic information | Incomplete | The restoration project involves only the rectification construction. No related basic information was collected or surveyed in addition to the measurement works required for construction executions. |
Design concept | Unspecified | No design concept was recorded in grpahs. Due to concerns of flood relief and disaster prevention, rectification construction works were designed based on hydraulic analysis results and related rules. |
Design graphs | Complete | Rectification construction data in the restoration project were recorded in engineering graphs. |
Post-construction preliminary surveys | Insufficient | After the construction, only construction inspection works were conducted. No related preliminary surveys were conducted. |
Post-construction monitoring plans | Insufficient | Related monitoring plans were not implemented. |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Needed | On March 24, 2012, this study performed a field survey, and relevant data, such as graphs and project reports, were collected. We have planned cross-sectional measurement for several structures in the future. In addition, photographs will be recorded and personnel interviews will be designed to establish more compact data records. These are expected to improve the restoration for better evaluation works in the future. |
VII Follow-up Evaluation and Review of the case
Follow-up inspection of this restoration project results was implemented on 9th March 2014. By comparing the recorded images of the inspection with historical photos, the changes of the restoration project results could be discovered. Hence reviews and advices on the restoration project results overview could be proposed according to the results of the follow-up inspection.
(1)Restoration Results
The overall results of the restoration were satisfying. All except some of the structures were eroded or scoured by the stream, which caused the collapse of riverbank or the undermining of the foundation. Although maintenance had been carried out on some of the structures, in the downstream segment at Rainbow Bridge section, there were still some structures yet to be repaired.
(2)Potential problems
In the river segment of Landscape Bridge, lush vegetation growth could be seen on the riverbed; and by comparing with historical images, it was found that the plants have increased over time, which may affect the flood capacity of the river channel.
(3)River Remediation
Remediation of riverbank landslide at the upstream segment has been completed. The maintenance of the scoured foundation on both sides of the middle reach was carried out as well. Judging by the environment, the sediment obtained from the upstream river channel remediation project in the adjacent area should be used in filling. Therefore, we should continue to consider whether this river segment remains a segment subject to erosion in the future, and appropriate methods should be applied in order to improve the situation.
(4)eview of the design concept
At the downstream Rainbow Bridge reach, the structures included in the project are six arch stone masonry groundsill works, in hope of creating diverse flow field and habitat. However, image data dated March 2013 (photo 6) and the follow-up inspection photo (12) dated March 2014 both revealed the conditions of groundsill foundation undermining. Therefore, in respect of designing relevant structures, shall we make appropriate reviews and improvements according to the conditional changes of the river environment.
(5)Monitoring program
Ku Ling Creek restoration results have not suffered from any large-scale disasters through the years. More commonly occurred was the scouring of river channel or sporadic collapse of hillsides, and no relevant monitoring programs were developed. The operation of this follow-up inspection allowed us to rapidly review the general environmental situation of the river channels, and make timely records of the general environment situation, which can be used as a reference to understand the environmental changes in the future and in relevant applications. It may well be a viable method of monitoring.
(6)River restoration recommendation
This case locates in Lion and Fangshan Township, Pingtung County. No. 385 bridge is part of the Ping-E Highway, which is the only which must be past to go to Kenting National Park. Ku Ling Creek catchment area is equipped with Mount Li-long Hiking Trail, offering tourists a venue for resting on the way. The water is clear here. It is suitable for hiking. Listen to oozing stream. Leisure activities close to nature.
VIII. References
1. Design Budget Documents and Completion Inspection Graphs for the Kuling River Rectification Construction, Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, 2004.
2. Design Budget Documents and Completion Inspection Graphs for the Second Kuling River Torrent Rectification Construction, Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, 2005.
3. Design Budget Documents and Completion Inspection Graphs for the Kuling River Rectification and Maintenance Construction, Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, 2006.
4. Design Budget Documents and Completion Inspection Graphs for the Third Kuling River Rectification Construction, Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, 2008.
5. X. W., Wang, Y. W., Su, & Q. D. Zhan (2012), “Post-Project Appraisals in River Restoration-Case Studies of Love River in Kaohsiung and Kao-Shan Creek in Taichung,” Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2): 39-53.
6. Debris Flow Prevention Information Network, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau http://246.swcb.gov.tw/default-1.asp
7. Downs, P. W. and Kondolf, G. M. (2002), “Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration,” Environmental Management, 29(4): 477-496.
I. Basic information
Fang-go drainage canal ecological restoration is located in Pusin Village, Pusin Township, Changhua County. It is an irrigation drainage canal, with land on both canal banks being used primarily as farmlands. For geographical location, please reference Figure 1. Reference coordinates are TWD_67 coordinate system X:?202045嚗Y: 2650538.
Figure 1.?Fang-go drainage canal ecological restoration location
II. Focus of river and stream restoration
Fang-go drainage canal ecological restoration is a type of river and stream restoration involving renovation of irrigation drainage canal. This river and stream restoration project used cement laying and stone blocks to construct the embankments, and the canal bottom was not sealed. In addition to providing canal water seepage to supplement and conserve ground water, its porous design provides frogs, fish, aquatic insects, and other organisms with habitats. Embankment protection of the canal banks prevents canal bank erosion, which can lead to loss of farmland soil, and create a balance between ecological habitats. This is the restoration focus of this restoration project.
III. Project overview
The data source for this project is referenced from the “2005 Fang-Go Drainage Ecological Engineering Improvement Project” and other related information obtained from the Ecology and Engineering homepage of the Endemic Species Research Institute Conservation Education Center of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan. This data was used as the basis for this study.
Fang-go drainage was originally an earthen canal that was overgrown and in disrepair. To serve safety and ecological conservation functions, the canal design concept used cement laying and stone blocks to construct an embankment. The canal bottom utilized a gird type method to increase seepage of water into the soil and provide habitat environment. This allowed the canal to retain its original drainage function, but also increased its ecological effects.
Through existing records it is known that the “2005 Fang-Go Drainage Ecological Engineering Improvement Project” was a 2005 agricultural water conservancy project of the Changhua Irrigation Association. The main content of the project was cementing stone blocks for 525 m of the canal. For its floor configuration and engineering method, please reference Figures 2 – 4.
Figure 2. Fang-go drainage ecological engineering improvement project floor configuration plan (Ecology and Engineering homepage, 2012)
Figure 3.?Fang-go drainage ecological engineering improvement project location illustration (Google earth, 2012)
Figure 4.?Fang-go drainage ecological engineering improvement project engineering illustration (Ecology and Engineering homepage, 2012)
IV. Pre and post project comparison
The overall environmental change of the river and stream restoration project can be inspected through a comparison of photographic records. The following provides comparison photographs of the canal environment during different construction phases. Site inspection for this project was conducted on July 7, 2012.
V. Project results
The results of the Fang-go drainage canal ecological restoration project can be shown in the historical records and comparison of pre- and post-project photographs. Pre-construction photographic records did not show significant canal bank erosion or collapse, and site inspection found the renovation project and canal environment in good condition. Interviews with local residents indicated that no disasters occurred since the renovation project was completed. This proved that the project was effective.
VI. Evaluation of the restoration project
Fang-go drainage canal ecological restoration project evaluation used Post-project Appraisals (PPAs) (Downs and Kondolf, 2002). For evaluation results, please reference Table 1.
Data collection and site inspection results found that this project did not have a clear project objective and an established success standard. The records show that the canal design concept included both safety and ecological conservation. However, the engineering drawings are unclear and lacked related investigation and monitoring plans from when the project was completed. Therefore, this canal restoration project can only use limited data records, in combination with site inspections, to explore project results. It is difficult to provide effective experience learning from this project as a reference to other related restoration projects. The effectiveness of this project is difficult to quantify, and can only be described by site inspection results.
In addition, the records recorded the project result evaluation and discussion. The document mentioned that the materials used for the project should be primarily existing local materials. This should be considered during project design to avoid improper design from causing difficulties in obtaining project material. The land use parameters for ecological engineering methods are larger, which can lead to increased project costs. The low acceptance level of farmers also must be considered.
Table 1.?Fang-go drainage canal ecological restoration project evaluation results
Viewed items | Evaluation results | Description |
Project objective and success standards | Unclear | Historical records mentioned the design concept, but did not have set project objectives and success standards. |
Basic data collection and investigation | None | Restoration project construction followed the existing canal, and there were no basic data collection and investigation. |
Design concept | Clear | Design concept included both safety and ecological conservation. |
Design drawings | Incomplete | Although historical records contain partial engineering configuration drawings and engineering cross-section drawings, there were concerns as to the completeness of the design drawings. Data was also unclear and collecting of original drawings difficult. |
Survey upon initial completion | Missing | Project completion only implemented project acceptance, and did not surveys related to initial complete of the project. |
Post-completion monitoring plan | Missing | No related monitoring plan. |
Auxiliary analysis procedure | Required | This study conducted a site inspection on July 7, 2012, and collected drawings, project report, and other related data to facilitate evaluation. |
VII. Reference data
1. Ecology and Engineering homepage of the Endemic Species Research Institute Conservation Education Center of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan. http://ecoeng.tesri.gov.tw/?option=com_content&view=article&id=3354:94
2. Wong, Su, and Jen (2012), “Post-Project Appraisals in River Restoration Case Studies of Love River in Kaohsiung and Kao-Shan Creek in Taichung,” Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Engineering, Vol. 58, No. 2, pg. 39-53.
3. Downs, P. W. and Kondolf, G. M. (2002), “Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river canal restoration,” Environmental Management, 29(4): 477~496.
The Lanren River Environment Restoration Project is located at the intersection of XianglinVillage and LideVillage in Manzhou Township of Pingtung County. It is the river on an estuary. The reference coordinates are X: 233821,Y: 2438651 (TWD_67 Coordinate System). The exact project location is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Location of Lanren River Environment Restoration Project
2. Focus of River Restoration
In this project, different engineering measures were applied to remediate riverbank scouring. With reference to the ecological emphasis in different periods, three different types of engineering structures (levee/revetment) were used during remediation work to protect the riverbank, eco-systems and habitat during river environment restoration.
3. Project Overview
For this project two earlier projects related to the remediation and restoration of the LanrenRiver were refernced, including the Lanren River Levee Project (93WS01-078) and the Lanren River Levee Remediation Project Phase II (94WE02-072). These projects were carried out by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau and are described as follows:
3.1 Lanren River Levee Project
Lanren River Levee Project was designed and supervised by Lida Engineering Consulting Corporation, constructed by Jianhao Construction Corporation and completed on 31 May 2004. With construction costing NT$1.774 million, the project included 3 groundsills and 160m of levee. The objective of the project was to protect the river channel from scouring and thereby protect nearby farmland and riverbanks. Please refer to photographs 1 and 2 to see the condition of the area.
Photo 1 Downstream environment
Photo 2 Upstream environment
3.2 Lanren River Levee Remediation Project Phase II
The Lanren River Levee Remediation Project Phase II was designed and supervised by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, constructed by Dongmiaoyi Construction Corporation and completed on 1 November 2005. With construction costd of NT$5.335 million, the project included 730m of levee and 10 groundsills. As the river channel is not straight and adjacent farmland has been scoured, part of the bridge and road that run across the river subsided, making it necessary to reinforce the foundations to prevent subsidence. Please refer to photos 3 and 4 which show the condition of the river channel.
Photo 3 River channel duringthe project period
Photo 4 Project river channel environment
4. Situation Before and After Remediation
The overall environmental change after the remediation projects is detailed in related photos. Although no photos from before the project are available, the following table shows environmental changes of the LanrenRiver during different stages of the project.
Downstream channel of the project start point
Downstream channel of the project start point
0K + 040 river channel and right-side levee
0K + 040 river channel and right-side levee
5. Project Effectiveness
The main objective of the Lanren River Environment Restoration Project is to reinforce riverbanks and maintain eco-systems using different construction methods. The project lasted 8 years. During onsite inspection, we found that the condition of most remediation items was good and only a few horizontal structures (groundsills) were damaged. Therefore, the overall performance of the project is significant.
6. Restoration Project Evaluation
The post-project appraisals (PPAs) proposed by Downs and Kondolf (2002) were used to evaluate the Lanren River Environment Restoration Project, and the results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1 PPA Results of the Lanren River Remediation Project
Examination Item | Appraisal Result | Description |
Objectives and success standards of the project | Unclear | No objectives and or standards of success were defined, though the reasons for remediation were recorded. |
Collection and investigation of basic data | Incomplete | The restoration project only included remediation work. Other than the measurements required for construction work, no basic data were collected and investigated. |
Design concept | Unclear | No design concept was recorded in related plans, drawings and records. However, flood release considerations mean that flood control projects must undergo hydraulic analysis and be designed and constructed in accordance with related regulations. |
Design drawings | Incomplete | Only part of the engineering plans and drawings of the remediation work in the restoration project survive, and no acceptance records are available. |
Post-project preliminary survey | Unavailable | At project completion no post-project preliminary survey was conducted. |
Post-project monitoring plan | Unavailable | No related monitoring plans |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Required | Onsite investigation and photographic records were conducted and filed on 13 July 2012, and related data, including drawings, plans, and project reports, were collected. |
7. References
1. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau. (2005). Lanren River Levee Project Design, Budget Plan, and Engineering Drawings. (93WS01-078).
2. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau. (2006). Lanren River Levee Remediation Project Phase II Design, Budget Plan, and Engineering Drawings. (94WE02-072).
3. Wang, X. W., Su, Y. W., & Jan, Q. D. (2012). River Restoration Post-Project Appraisal: The case of the Love River in Kaohsiung and the Gaoshan River in Taichung. Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2), 39-53.
4. Downs, P. W., & Kondolf, G. M. (2002). Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration. Environmental Management, 29(4), 477-496.
The Lanren River Environment Restoration Project is located at the intersection of XianglinVillage and LideVillage in Manzhou Township of Pingtung County. It is the river on an estuary. The reference coordinates are X: 233821,Y: 2438651 (TWD_67 Coordinate System). The exact project location is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Location of Lanren River Environment Restoration Project
2. Focus of River Restoration
In this project, different engineering measures were applied to remediate riverbank scouring. With reference to the ecological emphasis in different periods, three different types of engineering structures (levee/revetment) were used during remediation work to protect the riverbank, eco-systems and habitat during river environment restoration.
3. Project Overview
For this project two earlier projects related to the remediation and restoration of the LanrenRiver were refernced, including the Lanren River Levee Project (93WS01-078) and the Lanren River Levee Remediation Project Phase II (94WE02-072). These projects were carried out by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau and are described as follows:
3.1 Lanren River Levee Project
Lanren River Levee Project was designed and supervised by Lida Engineering Consulting Corporation, constructed by Jianhao Construction Corporation and completed on 31 May 2004. With construction costing NT$1.774 million, the project included 3 groundsills and 160m of levee. The objective of the project was to protect the river channel from scouring and thereby protect nearby farmland and riverbanks. Please refer to photographs 1 and 2 to see the condition of the area.
Photo 1 Downstream environment
Photo 2 Upstream environment
3.2 Lanren River Levee Remediation Project Phase II
The Lanren River Levee Remediation Project Phase II was designed and supervised by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, constructed by Dongmiaoyi Construction Corporation and completed on 1 November 2005. With construction costd of NT$5.335 million, the project included 730m of levee and 10 groundsills. As the river channel is not straight and adjacent farmland has been scoured, part of the bridge and road that run across the river subsided, making it necessary to reinforce the foundations to prevent subsidence. Please refer to photos 3 and 4 which show the condition of the river channel.
Photo 3 River channel duringthe project period
Photo 4 Project river channel environment
4. Situation Before and After Remediation
The overall environmental change after the remediation projects is detailed in related photos. Although no photos from before the project are available, the following table shows environmental changes of the LanrenRiver during different stages of the project.
Downstream channel of the project start point
Downstream channel of the project start point
0K + 040 river channel and right-side levee
0K + 040 river channel and right-side levee
5. Project Effectiveness
The main objective of the Lanren River Environment Restoration Project is to reinforce riverbanks and maintain eco-systems using different construction methods. The project lasted 8 years. During onsite inspection, we found that the condition of most remediation items was good and only a few horizontal structures (groundsills) were damaged. Therefore, the overall performance of the project is significant.
6. Restoration Project Evaluation
The post-project appraisals (PPAs) proposed by Downs and Kondolf (2002) were used to evaluate the Lanren River Environment Restoration Project, and the results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1 PPA Results of the Lanren River Remediation Project
Examination Item | Appraisal Result | Description |
Objectives and success standards of the project | Unclear | No objectives and or standards of success were defined, though the reasons for remediation were recorded. |
Collection and investigation of basic data | Incomplete | The restoration project only included remediation work. Other than the measurements required for construction work, no basic data were collected and investigated. |
Design concept | Unclear | No design concept was recorded in related plans, drawings and records. However, flood release considerations mean that flood control projects must undergo hydraulic analysis and be designed and constructed in accordance with related regulations. |
Design drawings | Incomplete | Only part of the engineering plans and drawings of the remediation work in the restoration project survive, and no acceptance records are available. |
Post-project preliminary survey | Unavailable | At project completion no post-project preliminary survey was conducted. |
Post-project monitoring plan | Unavailable | No related monitoring plans |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Required | Onsite investigation and photographic records were conducted and filed on 13 July 2012, and related data, including drawings, plans, and project reports, were collected. |
7. References
1. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau. (2005). Lanren River Levee Project Design, Budget Plan, and Engineering Drawings. (93WS01-078).
2. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau. (2006). Lanren River Levee Remediation Project Phase II Design, Budget Plan, and Engineering Drawings. (94WE02-072).
3. Wang, X. W., Su, Y. W., & Jan, Q. D. (2012). River Restoration Post-Project Appraisal: The case of the Love River in Kaohsiung and the Gaoshan River in Taichung. Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2), 39-53.
4. Downs, P. W., & Kondolf, G. M. (2002). Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration. Environmental Management, 29(4), 477-496.
1. Basic Data
Huayuan River is located in Kuoping Borough, Neimen District, Kaohsiung City. It is a torrent mid-stream on Kuoping River, a tributary of the Qishan River. The reference coordinates are X: 197513,Y: 2543773 (TWD_67 Coordinate System). The exact project location is shown in Figure 1.
This remediation and restoration project was implemented because the bank slope on this section of the river collapsed and there are signs that sediment damage could cause a second disaster.
Figure 1 Location of the Huayuan Torrent Remediation and Restoration Project
2. Focus of River Restoration
After referring to the engineering drawings of the Huayuan Torrent Remediation Project (98S-ADE-12-4-354) provided by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, we used the template modeling concrete levee, precise embedded retaining wall and groundsill in river restoration and remediation, with focus on riverbank reinforcement, soil and water conservation and prevention of a second disaster.
3. Project Overview
The river section on which remediation work was undertaken was about 120m in length. The project started on 3 December 2009 and was completed on 23 February 2010, with the design and supervision of Jingyang Engineering & Technology Inc and the construction work of Nanjie Construction Corporation. The project included the following structures: 242.35m of template modeling RC gravity levee, 38m of precast embedded retaining wall, 7 groundsills, plantation of 200 pieces of mahogany and one deck bridge. The project cost approximately NT$4.196 million and related project layouts are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Layout of the Huayuan Torrent Remediation Project
4. Situation Before and After Remediation
After collecting surviving drawings and plans of the Huayuan Torrent Remediation Project, we can map out the condition of the river channel before remediation from the budget plans. Along with the photographs taken during onsite inspections, we can compare the site before and after remediation as shown in photos 1-4.
Photo 1 River channel before remediation—project start section.
Photo 2 River channel one year after project completion—project start section
Photo 3 River channel before remediation—up stream. The bank slope is gentler and the bank height low, floods thus occur easily in heavy rain.
Photo 4 River channel one year after project completion—up stream. Structures including levees and retaining walls were built to maintain the good condition of the river channel.
5. Project Effectiveness
The restoration of the Huayuan Torrent Remediation and Restoration Project was achieved by the Huayuan Torrent Remediation Project. Project outcomes will benefit about 120 people, 5 nearby buildings, about 240m of existing roads and about 45 hectares of farmland.
The main objectives of the restoration and remediation project were to strengthen the riverbank and to protect farmland, roads and buildings. By comparing photographs taken at different stages, we discovered that the previous threat of floods due to small channel discharge has been improved, the structural situation is good and project objectives were achieved.
6. Restoration Project Evaluation
The post-project appraisals (PPAs) proposed by Downs and Kondolf (2002) were used to evaluate currently retained data on the restoration project. The results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1
PPA Results of the Huayuan Remediation Project
Examination Item | Appraisal Result | Description |
Objectives and standards for success of the project | Incomplete | The project budget stated the project aim only as being “to strengthen the riverbank and protect farmland, roads and buildings.” No objectives or standards for success were actually defined. |
Collection and investigation of basic data | Incomplete | As strengthening the riverbank was the objective of remediation, records of project river channel measurements and photos of part of the river section fulfill the need for the collection and investigation of basic data. |
Design concept | Unavailable | Although there are no relevant records or data defining the project design concept, in terms of project objective, the flood carrying capacity analysis of the river channel is already an expression of flood prevention design. |
Design drawings | Complete | Includes budget plan, design drawings, as-built drawing and estimating plan. |
Post-project preliminary survey | Unavailable | No data from post-project preliminary survey are available. |
Post-project monitoring plan | Unavailable | No post-project monitoring plan is available. |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Required | Onsite investigation and photographic records were conducted and filed on 17 February 2011. |
7.Suggestions for Improvement
By comparing the photographs taken during the onsite inspection with historical photographs, we found that flood-carrying capacity has increased. However, eco-friendly and habitat friendly measures were inadequate because the levees are too high. We suggest that related surveillance projects should be planned as a follow up. When no flooding is reported after a typhoon or heavy rain, gentle slopes or eco-friendly measures can be added to maintain both flood control and eco-systems.
In addition, eutrophication has been observed at the project location, suggesting that water fluidity and water pollution have become an issue in this section of the river. As such, related items should be included in the surveillance plan.
8. References
1. Downs, P. W., & Kondolf, G. M. (2002). Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration. Environmental Management, 29(4), 477-496.
2. Wang, X. W., Su, Y. W., & Jan, Q. D. (2012). River Restoration Post-Project Appraisal: The case of the Love River in Kaohsiung and the Gaoshan River in Taichung. Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2), 39-53.
3. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture. (2009). Huayuan Torrent Remediation Project. (98S-ADE-12-4-354).
4. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture. (2011). Southern Region Soil and Water Conservation Effectiveness Assessment and Project Outcomes. (SWCB-100-213).
1. Basic Data
Huayuan River is located in Kuoping Borough, Neimen District, Kaohsiung City. It is a torrent mid-stream on Kuoping River, a tributary of the Qishan River. The reference coordinates are X: 197513,Y: 2543773 (TWD_67 Coordinate System). The exact project location is shown in Figure 1.
This remediation and restoration project was implemented because the bank slope on this section of the river collapsed and there are signs that sediment damage could cause a second disaster.
Figure 1 Location of the Huayuan Torrent Remediation and Restoration Project
2. Focus of River Restoration
After referring to the engineering drawings of the Huayuan Torrent Remediation Project (98S-ADE-12-4-354) provided by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, we used the template modeling concrete levee, precise embedded retaining wall and groundsill in river restoration and remediation, with focus on riverbank reinforcement, soil and water conservation and prevention of a second disaster.
3. Project Overview
The river section on which remediation work was undertaken was about 120m in length. The project started on 3 December 2009 and was completed on 23 February 2010, with the design and supervision of Jingyang Engineering & Technology Inc and the construction work of Nanjie Construction Corporation. The project included the following structures: 242.35m of template modeling RC gravity levee, 38m of precast embedded retaining wall, 7 groundsills, plantation of 200 pieces of mahogany and one deck bridge. The project cost approximately NT$4.196 million and related project layouts are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Layout of the Huayuan Torrent Remediation Project
4. Situation Before and After Remediation
After collecting surviving drawings and plans of the Huayuan Torrent Remediation Project, we can map out the condition of the river channel before remediation from the budget plans. Along with the photographs taken during onsite inspections, we can compare the site before and after remediation as shown in photos 1-4.
Photo 1 River channel before remediation—project start section.
Photo 2 River channel one year after project completion—project start section
Photo 3 River channel before remediation—up stream. The bank slope is gentler and the bank height low, floods thus occur easily in heavy rain.
Photo 4 River channel one year after project completion—up stream. Structures including levees and retaining walls were built to maintain the good condition of the river channel.
5. Project Effectiveness
The restoration of the Huayuan Torrent Remediation and Restoration Project was achieved by the Huayuan Torrent Remediation Project. Project outcomes will benefit about 120 people, 5 nearby buildings, about 240m of existing roads and about 45 hectares of farmland.
The main objectives of the restoration and remediation project were to strengthen the riverbank and to protect farmland, roads and buildings. By comparing photographs taken at different stages, we discovered that the previous threat of floods due to small channel discharge has been improved, the structural situation is good and project objectives were achieved.
6. Restoration Project Evaluation
The post-project appraisals (PPAs) proposed by Downs and Kondolf (2002) were used to evaluate currently retained data on the restoration project. The results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1
PPA Results of the Huayuan Remediation Project
Examination Item | Appraisal Result | Description |
Objectives and standards for success of the project | Incomplete | The project budget stated the project aim only as being “to strengthen the riverbank and protect farmland, roads and buildings.” No objectives or standards for success were actually defined. |
Collection and investigation of basic data | Incomplete | As strengthening the riverbank was the objective of remediation, records of project river channel measurements and photos of part of the river section fulfill the need for the collection and investigation of basic data. |
Design concept | Unavailable | Although there are no relevant records or data defining the project design concept, in terms of project objective, the flood carrying capacity analysis of the river channel is already an expression of flood prevention design. |
Design drawings | Complete | Includes budget plan, design drawings, as-built drawing and estimating plan. |
Post-project preliminary survey | Unavailable | No data from post-project preliminary survey are available. |
Post-project monitoring plan | Unavailable | No post-project monitoring plan is available. |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Required | Onsite investigation and photographic records were conducted and filed on 17 February 2011. |
7.Suggestions for Improvement
By comparing the photographs taken during the onsite inspection with historical photographs, we found that flood-carrying capacity has increased. However, eco-friendly and habitat friendly measures were inadequate because the levees are too high. We suggest that related surveillance projects should be planned as a follow up. When no flooding is reported after a typhoon or heavy rain, gentle slopes or eco-friendly measures can be added to maintain both flood control and eco-systems.
In addition, eutrophication has been observed at the project location, suggesting that water fluidity and water pollution have become an issue in this section of the river. As such, related items should be included in the surveillance plan.
8. References
1. Downs, P. W., & Kondolf, G. M. (2002). Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration. Environmental Management, 29(4), 477-496.
2. Wang, X. W., Su, Y. W., & Jan, Q. D. (2012). River Restoration Post-Project Appraisal: The case of the Love River in Kaohsiung and the Gaoshan River in Taichung. Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2), 39-53.
3. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture. (2009). Huayuan Torrent Remediation Project. (98S-ADE-12-4-354).
4. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture. (2011). Southern Region Soil and Water Conservation Effectiveness Assessment and Project Outcomes. (SWCB-100-213).
1. Basic Data
The Jiaoboliao River is a torrent located in Neinan Village, Neimen District, Kaohsiung City. It is an upstream tributary of the Erhren River. The reference coordinate are X193259, Y2532739 (TWD_67 Coordinate System). The exact project location is shown in Figure 1.
Being inundated with extremely heavy rain brought by typhoons Kalmaegi and Fung-wong in 2008, existing riverbank protection collapsed and the area was flooded. This remediation project was implemented to restore the damaged structures and prevent flooding through soil and water conservation.
Figure 1 Location of Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation and Restoration
2. Focus of River Restoration
After referring to the engineering drawings of the Neinan Village Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation Project (98S-ADE-02-4-130) proposed by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, we realized that the gabion and template modeling concrete levee and reinforced concrete groundsill were used in the river restoration and remediation work to strengthen riverbanks and to prevent flooding.
3. Project Overview
The area subject to river channel remediation work was about 250m in length. The project started on 25 June 2009 and was completed on 8 September 2009 with the design and supervision of Yuchen Engineering Consulting Ltd. and the construction of Yongguang Civil Engineering Service Corporation. The project included the following structures: 104m of template modeling concrete levees, restoration of 226m of gabion booms and 7 groundsills. Related engineering designs and layouts are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Layout of the Neinan Village Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation Project
4. Situation Before and After Remediation
After collecting existing drawings and plans of the Neinan Village Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation Project, the condition of the river channel before remediation can be mapped out from the budget plan. Along with photographs taken from onsite inspections, we can compare site conditions before and after remediation, as shown in photos 1-6.
After collecting existing drawings and plans of the Neinan Village Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation Project, the condition of the river channel before remediation can be mapped out from the budget plan. Along with photographs taken from onsite inspections, we can compare site conditions before and after remediation, as shown in photos 1-6.
Photo 1 River channel before remediation—project start section.
Photo 2 River channel one year after project completion—project start section
Photo 3 River channel before remediation—mid stream section (downstream from the bridge)
Photo 4 River channel one year after project completion—mid-stream section (downstream from the bridge)
Photo 4 River channel before remediation—project end section
Photo 6 River channel one year after project completion—project end section
5. Project Effectiveness
The restoration targeted by the Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation and Restoration Project was achieved by the Neinan Village Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation Project. The success of the project will benefit 60 hectares of farmland, 45 hectares of farming area and 5 buildings.
Strengthening the riverbank and protecting farmland, crops and buildings were the main targets of the restoration and remediation project. By comparing photographs taken at different stages, we discovered the riverbanks that collapsed in the typhoons have been improved and plant restoration along the river channel is quite good, suggesting that project objectives have been achieved.
6. Restoration Project Evaluation
The post-project appraisals (PPAs) proposed by Downs and Kondolf (2002) were applied to the evaluation of currently retained data from the restoration project. The results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1
PPA Results of the Neinan Village Jiaoboliao Remediation Project
Examination Item | Appraisal Result | Description |
Objectives and success standards of the project | Incomplete | The budget described the objective of the project as “to strengthen riverbanks, protect farmland, crops, and buildings.” No objectives or standards of success were actually defined.. |
Collection and investigation of basic data | Incomplete | To strengthen riverbanks was the target of remediation work. As such, records of measurements taken of the project river channel and photos of part of the river section meet the need for the collection and investigation of basic data in this project. |
Design concept | Unavailable | Although there are no relevant records or data defining the project design concept, in terms of project objective, the flood carrying capacity analysis of the river channel is already an expression of flood prevention design. |
Design drawings | Complete | Includes budget plan, design drawings, as-built drawing and estimating plan. |
Post-project preliminary survey | Unavailable | No data from post-project preliminary survey are available. |
Post-project monitoring plan | Unavailable | No post-project monitoring plan is available. |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Required | Onsite investigation and photographic evidence were conducted and recorded on 2 December 2010. |
7. Suggestions for Improvement
By comparing the photographs taken during onsite inspections with historical photographs, we discovered that plants have grown well along the river channel after restoration and remediation and that the changes in the river channel were insignificant. This suggests that the remediation and restoration structures used in the project caused minimal interference to the local environment. We suggest that related surveillance projects should be planned in the future to conduct follow up observations of ecological change for reference in the field of future river channel environment improvement and eco-friendly measures.
In addition, eutrophication has been observed in the project location, suggesting that water fluidity and water pollution have become an issue in the river section. Therefore, related items should be included in the surveillance plan.
8. References
1. Downs, P. W., & Kondolf, G. M. (2002). Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration. Environmental Management, 29(4), 477-496.
2. Wang, X. W., Su, Y. W., & Jan, Q. D. (2012). River Restoration Post-Project Appraisal: The case of the Love River in Kaohsiung and the Gaoshan River in Taichung. Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2), 39-53.
3. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture. (2009). Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project. (98S-SC-4-R02-008).
4. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture. (2011). Southern Region Soil and Water Conservation Effectiveness Assessment and Project Outcomes. (SWCB-100-213).
1. Basic Data
The Jiaoboliao River is a torrent located in Neinan Village, Neimen District, Kaohsiung City. It is an upstream tributary of the Erhren River. The reference coordinate are X193259, Y2532739 (TWD_67 Coordinate System). The exact project location is shown in Figure 1.
Being inundated with extremely heavy rain brought by typhoons Kalmaegi and Fung-wong in 2008, existing riverbank protection collapsed and the area was flooded. This remediation project was implemented to restore the damaged structures and prevent flooding through soil and water conservation.
Figure 1 Location of Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation and Restoration
2. Focus of River Restoration
After referring to the engineering drawings of the Neinan Village Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation Project (98S-ADE-02-4-130) proposed by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, we realized that the gabion and template modeling concrete levee and reinforced concrete groundsill were used in the river restoration and remediation work to strengthen riverbanks and to prevent flooding.
3. Project Overview
The area subject to river channel remediation work was about 250m in length. The project started on 25 June 2009 and was completed on 8 September 2009 with the design and supervision of Yuchen Engineering Consulting Ltd. and the construction of Yongguang Civil Engineering Service Corporation. The project included the following structures: 104m of template modeling concrete levees, restoration of 226m of gabion booms and 7 groundsills. Related engineering designs and layouts are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Layout of the Neinan Village Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation Project
4. Situation Before and After Remediation
After collecting existing drawings and plans of the Neinan Village Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation Project, the condition of the river channel before remediation can be mapped out from the budget plan. Along with photographs taken from onsite inspections, we can compare site conditions before and after remediation, as shown in photos 1-6.
After collecting existing drawings and plans of the Neinan Village Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation Project, the condition of the river channel before remediation can be mapped out from the budget plan. Along with photographs taken from onsite inspections, we can compare site conditions before and after remediation, as shown in photos 1-6.
Photo 1 River channel before remediation—project start section.
Photo 2 River channel one year after project completion—project start section
Photo 3 River channel before remediation—mid stream section (downstream from the bridge)
Photo 4 River channel one year after project completion—mid-stream section (downstream from the bridge)
Photo 4 River channel before remediation—project end section
Photo 6 River channel one year after project completion—project end section
5. Project Effectiveness
The restoration targeted by the Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation and Restoration Project was achieved by the Neinan Village Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation Project. The success of the project will benefit 60 hectares of farmland, 45 hectares of farming area and 5 buildings.
Strengthening the riverbank and protecting farmland, crops and buildings were the main targets of the restoration and remediation project. By comparing photographs taken at different stages, we discovered the riverbanks that collapsed in the typhoons have been improved and plant restoration along the river channel is quite good, suggesting that project objectives have been achieved.
6. Restoration Project Evaluation
The post-project appraisals (PPAs) proposed by Downs and Kondolf (2002) were applied to the evaluation of currently retained data from the restoration project. The results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1
PPA Results of the Neinan Village Jiaoboliao Remediation Project
Examination Item | Appraisal Result | Description |
Objectives and success standards of the project | Incomplete | The budget described the objective of the project as “to strengthen riverbanks, protect farmland, crops, and buildings.” No objectives or standards of success were actually defined.. |
Collection and investigation of basic data | Incomplete | To strengthen riverbanks was the target of remediation work. As such, records of measurements taken of the project river channel and photos of part of the river section meet the need for the collection and investigation of basic data in this project. |
Design concept | Unavailable | Although there are no relevant records or data defining the project design concept, in terms of project objective, the flood carrying capacity analysis of the river channel is already an expression of flood prevention design. |
Design drawings | Complete | Includes budget plan, design drawings, as-built drawing and estimating plan. |
Post-project preliminary survey | Unavailable | No data from post-project preliminary survey are available. |
Post-project monitoring plan | Unavailable | No post-project monitoring plan is available. |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Required | Onsite investigation and photographic evidence were conducted and recorded on 2 December 2010. |
7. Suggestions for Improvement
By comparing the photographs taken during onsite inspections with historical photographs, we discovered that plants have grown well along the river channel after restoration and remediation and that the changes in the river channel were insignificant. This suggests that the remediation and restoration structures used in the project caused minimal interference to the local environment. We suggest that related surveillance projects should be planned in the future to conduct follow up observations of ecological change for reference in the field of future river channel environment improvement and eco-friendly measures.
In addition, eutrophication has been observed in the project location, suggesting that water fluidity and water pollution have become an issue in the river section. Therefore, related items should be included in the surveillance plan.
8. References
1. Downs, P. W., & Kondolf, G. M. (2002). Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration. Environmental Management, 29(4), 477-496.
2. Wang, X. W., Su, Y. W., & Jan, Q. D. (2012). River Restoration Post-Project Appraisal: The case of the Love River in Kaohsiung and the Gaoshan River in Taichung. Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2), 39-53.
3. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture. (2009). Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project. (98S-SC-4-R02-008).
4. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture. (2011). Southern Region Soil and Water Conservation Effectiveness Assessment and Project Outcomes. (SWCB-100-213).
",20131104,2519,Jiaoboliao Torrent Remediation and Restoration "
1. Basic Data
The Gu River is a torrent of the Tanding River, an upstream tributary of the Yenshui River. This river restoration project is located near the Huayuan Recreational Area in Jiucengling, Jiaokeng Borough, Xinhua District, Tainan City. The reference coordinates are X185396, Y2548338 (TWD_67 Coordinate System). The project location is shown in Figure 1.
Being inundated with extremely heavy rain from typhoons over a long period of time, the river channel was severely scoured and the riverbank collapsed, endangering the safety of nearby farmland and buildings. This remediation and restoration project was implemented to prevent further erosion and expansion of the disaster.
Figure 1 Location of the Shanbao Torrent Remediation and Restoration Project
2. Focus of River Restoration
After referring to the engineering drawings of the Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project (98S-SC-4-R02-008) proposed by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, we realized that the concrete levee, groundsill work and retaining wall were utilized in local river remediation and restoration to prevent further erosion and expansion of the disaster.
3. Project Overview
River channel remediation work was undertaken over an area that was roughly 160m in length. The project started on 17 April 2009 and was completed on 7 July 2009 with the design and supervision of Tuugo Engineering Consulting Ltd. and the construction of Yiyi Construction and Engineering Corporation. The project included the following structures: 208m of template modeling concrete levees, 10 concrete groundsills, 44m of concrete retaining wall, and 2 buffer strips. Related engineering designs and layouts are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Layout of the Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project (Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, 2009).
4.Situation Before and After Remediation
After collecting existing drawings and plans of the Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project, the condition of the river channel before remediation can be mapped out from the budget plan. Along with photographs taken during onsite inspections, we can compare the condition of the site before and after remediation as shown in photos 1-4.
Photo 1 Upstream river channel before remediation—project starting section.
Photo 2 Upstream river channel two years after project completion
Photo 3 Downstream river channel before remediation—project end section
Photo 2 Downstream river channel after project completion
5. Project Effectiveness
The restoration of the Shanbao Torrent Remediation and Restoration Project was achieved by the Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project. The project will benefit 20 hectares of farmland and 3 farming households.
Preventing further erosion and expansion of the disaster were the main objectives of the restoration project. By comparing photos taken at different stages, we can see that project effectiveness was achieved and all objectives accomplished.
6. Restoration Project Evaluation
The post-project appraisals (PPAs) proposed by Downs and Kondolf (2002) were applied to the evaluation of currently retained data from the restoration project. The results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1
PPA Results of the Jiuchenglin Torrent Remediation Project
Examination Item | Appraisal Result | Description |
Objectives and success standards of the project | Incomplete | Only “to prevent erosion from deterioration and to prevent disasters from expansion” were stated in the project budget. No objectives and success standards were actually defined. |
Collection and investigation of basic data | Incomplete | To prevent further erosion and expansion of the disaster were the targets of the remediation work. As such, records of measurement taken of the project river channel and photos of part of the river section meet the need for the collection and investigation of basic data in this project. |
Design concept | Unavailable | Although there are no relevant records or data defining the project design concept, in terms of project objective, the flood carrying capacity analysis of the river channel is already an expression of flood prevention design. |
Design drawings | Complete | Includes budget plan, design drawings, as-built drawing and estimating plan. |
Post-project preliminary survey | Unavailable | No data from post-project preliminary survey are available. |
Post-project monitoring plan | Unavailable | No post-project monitoring plan is available. |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Required | Onsite investigation and photographic evidence were conducted and recorded on 16 June 2011. |
7. Suggestions for Improvement
With reference to the photographic records from different stages of the project it was discovered that the river channel was more natural and favorable to local ecosystems before remediation. Although the tall and steep levee structures built as part of this project aimed to prevent and to reduce disasters and have damaged local ecosystems and habitats, the condition of plant restoration was good. Therefore, we suggest that related surveillance projects are planned and eco-friendly measures introduced at a future date.
8.References
1. Downs, P. W., & Kondolf, G. M. (2002). Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration. Environmental Management, 29(4), 477-496.
2. Wang, X. W., Su, Y. W., & Jan, Q. D. (2012). River Restoration Post-Project Appraisal: The case of the Love River in Kaohsiung and the Gaoshan River in Taichung. Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2), 39-53.
3.Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture. (2009). Jiuchenglin Torrent Remediation Project. (98S-SC-4-R02-008).
",20131014,2520,Shanbao Torrent Remediation and Restoration "
1. Basic Data
The Gu River is a torrent of the Tanding River, an upstream tributary of the Yenshui River. This river restoration project is located near the Huayuan Recreational Area in Jiucengling, Jiaokeng Borough, Xinhua District, Tainan City. The reference coordinates are X185396, Y2548338 (TWD_67 Coordinate System). The project location is shown in Figure 1.
Being inundated with extremely heavy rain from typhoons over a long period of time, the river channel was severely scoured and the riverbank collapsed, endangering the safety of nearby farmland and buildings. This remediation and restoration project was implemented to prevent further erosion and expansion of the disaster.
Figure 1. Location of the Shanbao Torrent Remediation and Restoration Project
2. Focus of River Restoration
After referring to the engineering drawings of the Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project (98S-SC-4-R02-008) proposed by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, we realized that the concrete levee, groundsill work and retaining wall were utilized in local river remediation and restoration to prevent further erosion and expansion of the disaster.
3. Project Overview
River channel remediation work was undertaken over an area that was roughly 160m in length. The project started on 17 April 2009 and was completed on 7 July 2009 with the design and supervision of Tuugo Engineering Consulting Ltd. and the construction of Yiyi Construction and Engineering Corporation. The project included the following structures: 208m of template modeling concrete levees, 10 concrete groundsills, 44m of concrete retaining wall, and 2 buffer strips. Related engineering designs and layouts are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Layout of the Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project (Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, 2009).
4. Situation Before and After Remediation
After collecting existing drawings and plans of the Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project, the condition of the river channel before remediation can be mapped out from the budget plan. Along with photographs taken during onsite inspections, we can compare the condition of the site before and after remediation as shown in photos 1-4.
Photo 1 Upstream river channel before remediation—project starting section.
Photo 2 Upstream river channel two years after project completion
Photo 3 Downstream river channel before remediation—project end section
Photo 2 Downstream river channel after project completion
5. Project Effectiveness
The restoration of the Shanbao Torrent Remediation and Restoration Project was achieved by the Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project. The project will benefit 20 hectares of farmland and 3 farming households.
Preventing further erosion and expansion of the disaster were the main objectives of the restoration project. By comparing photos taken at different stages, we can see that project effectiveness was achieved and all objectives accomplished.
6. Restoration Project Evaluation
The post-project appraisals (PPAs) proposed by Downs and Kondolf (2002) were applied to the evaluation of currently retained data from the restoration project. The results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1
PPA Results of the Jiuchenglin Torrent Remediation Project
Examination Item | Appraisal Result | Description |
Objectives and success standards of the project | Incomplete | Only “to prevent erosion from deterioration and to prevent disasters from expansion” were stated in the project budget. No objectives and success standards were actually defined. |
Collection and investigation of basic data | Incomplete | To prevent further erosion and expansion of the disaster were the targets of the remediation work. As such, records of measurement taken of the project river channel and photos of part of the river section meet the need for the collection and investigation of basic data in this project. |
Design concept | Unavailable | Although there are no relevant records or data defining the project design concept, in terms of project objective, the flood carrying capacity analysis of the river channel is already an expression of flood prevention design. |
Design drawings | Complete | Includes budget plan, design drawings, as-built drawing and estimating plan. |
Post-project preliminary survey | Unavailable | No data from post-project preliminary survey are available. |
Post-project monitoring plan | Unavailable | No post-project monitoring plan is available. |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Required | Onsite investigation and photographic evidence were conducted and recorded on 16 June 2011. |
7. Suggestions for Improvement
With reference to the photographic records from different stages of the project it was discovered that the river channel was more natural and favorable to local ecosystems before remediation. Although the tall and steep levee structures built as part of this project aimed to prevent and to reduce disasters and have damaged local ecosystems and habitats, the condition of plant restoration was good. Therefore, we suggest that related surveillance projects are planned and eco-friendly measures introduced at a future date.
8. References
1. Downs, P. W., & Kondolf, G. M. (2002). Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration. Environmental Management, 29(4), 477-496.
2. Wang, X. W., Su, Y. W., & Jan, Q. D. (2012). River Restoration Post-Project Appraisal: The case of the Love River in Kaohsiung and the Gaoshan River in Taichung. Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2), 39-53.
3. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture. (2009). Jiuchenglin Torrent Remediation Project. (98S-SC-4-R02-008).
1. Basic Data
The Gu River is a torrent of the Tanding River, an upstream tributary of the Yenshui River. This river restoration project is located near the Huayuan Recreational Area in Jiucengling, Jiaokeng Borough, Xinhua District, Tainan City. The reference coordinates are X185396, Y2548338 (TWD_67 Coordinate System). The project location is shown in Figure 1.
Being inundated with extremely heavy rain from typhoons over a long period of time, the river channel was severely scoured and the riverbank collapsed, endangering the safety of nearby farmland and buildings. This remediation and restoration project was implemented to prevent further erosion and expansion of the disaster.
Figure 1. Location of the Shanbao Torrent Remediation and Restoration Project
2. Focus of River Restoration
After referring to the engineering drawings of the Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project (98S-SC-4-R02-008) proposed by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, we realized that the concrete levee, groundsill work and retaining wall were utilized in local river remediation and restoration to prevent further erosion and expansion of the disaster.
3. Project Overview
River channel remediation work was undertaken over an area that was roughly 160m in length. The project started on 17 April 2009 and was completed on 7 July 2009 with the design and supervision of Tuugo Engineering Consulting Ltd. and the construction of Yiyi Construction and Engineering Corporation. The project included the following structures: 208m of template modeling concrete levees, 10 concrete groundsills, 44m of concrete retaining wall, and 2 buffer strips. Related engineering designs and layouts are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Layout of the Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project (Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, 2009).
4. Situation Before and After Remediation
After collecting existing drawings and plans of the Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project, the condition of the river channel before remediation can be mapped out from the budget plan. Along with photographs taken during onsite inspections, we can compare the condition of the site before and after remediation as shown in photos 1-4.
Photo 1 Upstream river channel before remediation—project starting section.
Photo 2 Upstream river channel two years after project completion
Photo 3 Downstream river channel before remediation—project end section
Photo 2 Downstream river channel after project completion
5. Project Effectiveness
The restoration of the Shanbao Torrent Remediation and Restoration Project was achieved by the Jiucenglin Torrent Remediation Project. The project will benefit 20 hectares of farmland and 3 farming households.
Preventing further erosion and expansion of the disaster were the main objectives of the restoration project. By comparing photos taken at different stages, we can see that project effectiveness was achieved and all objectives accomplished.
6. Restoration Project Evaluation
The post-project appraisals (PPAs) proposed by Downs and Kondolf (2002) were applied to the evaluation of currently retained data from the restoration project. The results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1
PPA Results of the Jiuchenglin Torrent Remediation Project
Examination Item | Appraisal Result | Description |
Objectives and success standards of the project | Incomplete | Only “to prevent erosion from deterioration and to prevent disasters from expansion” were stated in the project budget. No objectives and success standards were actually defined. |
Collection and investigation of basic data | Incomplete | To prevent further erosion and expansion of the disaster were the targets of the remediation work. As such, records of measurement taken of the project river channel and photos of part of the river section meet the need for the collection and investigation of basic data in this project. |
Design concept | Unavailable | Although there are no relevant records or data defining the project design concept, in terms of project objective, the flood carrying capacity analysis of the river channel is already an expression of flood prevention design. |
Design drawings | Complete | Includes budget plan, design drawings, as-built drawing and estimating plan. |
Post-project preliminary survey | Unavailable | No data from post-project preliminary survey are available. |
Post-project monitoring plan | Unavailable | No post-project monitoring plan is available. |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Required | Onsite investigation and photographic evidence were conducted and recorded on 16 June 2011. |
7. Suggestions for Improvement
With reference to the photographic records from different stages of the project it was discovered that the river channel was more natural and favorable to local ecosystems before remediation. Although the tall and steep levee structures built as part of this project aimed to prevent and to reduce disasters and have damaged local ecosystems and habitats, the condition of plant restoration was good. Therefore, we suggest that related surveillance projects are planned and eco-friendly measures introduced at a future date.
8. References
1. Downs, P. W., & Kondolf, G. M. (2002). Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration. Environmental Management, 29(4), 477-496.
2. Wang, X. W., Su, Y. W., & Jan, Q. D. (2012). River Restoration Post-Project Appraisal: The case of the Love River in Kaohsiung and the Gaoshan River in Taichung. Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2), 39-53.
3. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Council of Agriculture. (2009). Jiuchenglin Torrent Remediation Project. (98S-SC-4-R02-008).
1. Basic Data
The Xuxian River is an upstream tributary of the Yenshui River. The Qiding Section is located in Qiding Borough, Longqi District, TainanCity. The coordinates of Qiding Section are X: 184617, Y: 2540632 (TWD_67 Coordinate System). See Figure 1.
After being inundated by runoff from extremely heavy rain over a long period of time, the river bed was scoured and the riverbank collapsed, causing massive soil loss. The remediation and restoration of the section was planned and implemented to ensure environmental conservation and to protect the lives and property of the public.
Figure 1. Distribution of remediation and restoration locations on the Qiding Section of the Xuxian River
2. Focus of River Restoration
After referring to the engineering drawings of the Yenshui River Upstream Torrent Remediation Project in Qijiao, Qiding Village (98S-ADE-04-4-238) proposed by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, we realized that the levee and groundsill work were applied to local river remediation and restoration with a focus on ensuring the stability of the river channel, flood prevention and reducing soil loss.
3. Project Overview
River channel remediation work took place over an area that was about 100m in length. The project started on 24 July 2009 and was completed on 24 December 2009 with the design and supervision of Ming-hsin Shen Civil Engineering Firm and the construction of Baokuo Construction Corporation. The project included the following structures: 56m of precast block levee, 76.5m of template modeling concrete levee, one spur dam and three groundsills. The contract cost about NT$3.293 million. Related engineering designs and layouts are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Layout of the Yenshui River Upstream Torrent Remediation Project in Qijiao, Qiding Village (Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, 2009)
4. Situation Before and After Remediation
After collecting drawings and plans of the Yenshui River Upstream Torrent Remediation Project in Qijiao, Qiding Village, we can map out the condition of the river channel before remediation from the budget plan. Using photographs taken from onsite inspections, we can compare the site before and after remediation as shown in photos 1-6.
Photo 1: River channel downstream from Qijiao Bridge before remediation.
Photo 2: Structures and riverbank downstream from Qijiao Bridge during the construction period.
Photo 3: River channel downstream of Qijiao Bridge 18 months after remediation (project completion).
Photo 4: Intersection of tributaries along the river channel before remediation.
Photo 5: Intersection of tributaries along the river channel during the construction period.
Photo 6: Intersection of tributaries along the river channel after remediation.
5. Project Effectiveness
The restoration of the Qiding Section of the Xuxian River Remediation and Restoration Project was achieved by the Yenshui River Upstream Torrent Remediation Project in Qijiao, Qiding Village. The expected benefits of the project include the protection of 1.8 hectares of farmland, 100m of roadwork and one bridge (Qijiao Bridge).
Flood prevention and soil conservation were the main targets of the restoration project. By comparing photographs taken at different stages, we can see that although the river channel environment was more natural and more favorable for local ecosystems before restoration, the riverbank was scoured and collapsed as a result of heavy rain over time, and soil loss and farmland damage were severe. After restoration, plants began to grow and flourish on the riverbanks. The multi-porous design of the precast block levee enabled favorable plant restoration and environmental protection. Overall, the project has been very effective.
6. Restoration Project Evaluation
The post-project appraisals (PPAs) proposed by Downs and Kondolf (2002) were applied to the evaluation of currently retained data from the restoration project. The results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1
PPA Results of the Qiding Section of the Xuxian River Remediation and Restoration Project
Examination Item | Appraisal Result | Description |
Objectives and success standards of the project | Incomplete | The budget described the objectives of the project as “To ensure environmental protection and improvement, to protect the lives and property of the public, and to ensure project effectiveness.” No objectives or standards of success were actually defined. |
Collection and investigation of basic data | Incomplete | Only records of measurements made of the project river channel and photos of part of the river section remain, other basic data (e.g. ecology and habitat) are unavailable. |
Design concept | Unavailable | There is no relevant record or data defining the project design concept. |
Design drawings | Complete | Includes budget plan, design drawings, as-built drawing and estimating plan. |
Post-project preliminary survey | Unavailable | No data from post-project preliminary survey are available. |
Post-project monitoring plan | Unavailable | No post-project monitoring plan is available. |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Required | Onsite investigation and photographic evidence were conducted and recorded on 20 January 2010, 1 March 2010 and 16 June 2011.
|
7. Suggestions for Improvement
This river restoration project involved typical torrent soil and water conservation and remediation work. Therefore, it is natural that disaster prevention was the main objective. After post-project onsite investigation, we found that the restoration condition of the target section was greatly improved. Therefore, we suggest that the authorities should continue to monitor local condition. If the river remains in good condition after a flood, this experience can be applied to the remediation and restoration of other river channels. In addition, eco-friendly measures can be added to future projects to better maintain river ecology and habitat.
8. References
1. Downs, P. W., & Kondolf, G. M. (2002). Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration. Environmental Management, 29(4), 477-496.
2. Wang, X. W., Su, Y. W., & Jan, Q. D. (2012). River Restoration Post-Project Appraisal: The case of the Love River in Kaohsiung and the Gaoshan River in Taichung. Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2), 39-53.
3. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau. (2009). Yenshui River Upstream Torrent Remediation Project in Qijiao of Qiding Village. (98S-ADE-04-4-238)
1. Basic Data
The Xuxian River is an upstream tributary of the Yenshui River. The Qiding Section is located in Qiding Borough, Longqi District, TainanCity. The coordinates of Qiding Section are X: 184617, Y: 2540632 (TWD_67 Coordinate System). See Figure 1.
After being inundated by runoff from extremely heavy rain over a long period of time, the river bed was scoured and the riverbank collapsed, causing massive soil loss. The remediation and restoration of the section was planned and implemented to ensure environmental conservation and to protect the lives and property of the public.
Figure 1. Distribution of remediation and restoration locations on the Qiding Section of the Xuxian River
2. Focus of River Restoration
After referring to the engineering drawings of the Yenshui River Upstream Torrent Remediation Project in Qijiao, Qiding Village (98S-ADE-04-4-238) proposed by the Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, we realized that the levee and groundsill work were applied to local river remediation and restoration with a focus on ensuring the stability of the river channel, flood prevention and reducing soil loss.
3. Project Overview
River channel remediation work took place over an area that was about 100m in length. The project started on 24 July 2009 and was completed on 24 December 2009 with the design and supervision of Ming-hsin Shen Civil Engineering Firm and the construction of Baokuo Construction Corporation. The project included the following structures: 56m of precast block levee, 76.5m of template modeling concrete levee, one spur dam and three groundsills. The contract cost about NT$3.293 million. Related engineering designs and layouts are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Layout of the Yenshui River Upstream Torrent Remediation Project in Qijiao, Qiding Village (Tainan Branch of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, 2009)
4. Situation Before and After Remediation
After collecting drawings and plans of the Yenshui River Upstream Torrent Remediation Project in Qijiao, Qiding Village, we can map out the condition of the river channel before remediation from the budget plan. Using photographs taken from onsite inspections, we can compare the site before and after remediation as shown in photos 1-6.
Photo 1: River channel downstream from Qijiao Bridge before remediation.
Photo 2: Structures and riverbank downstream from Qijiao Bridge during the construction period.
Photo 3: River channel downstream of Qijiao Bridge 18 months after remediation (project completion).
Photo 4: Intersection of tributaries along the river channel before remediation.
Photo 5: Intersection of tributaries along the river channel during the construction period.
Photo 6: Intersection of tributaries along the river channel after remediation.
5. Project Effectiveness
The restoration of the Qiding Section of the Xuxian River Remediation and Restoration Project was achieved by the Yenshui River Upstream Torrent Remediation Project in Qijiao, Qiding Village. The expected benefits of the project include the protection of 1.8 hectares of farmland, 100m of roadwork and one bridge (Qijiao Bridge).
Flood prevention and soil conservation were the main targets of the restoration project. By comparing photographs taken at different stages, we can see that although the river channel environment was more natural and more favorable for local ecosystems before restoration, the riverbank was scoured and collapsed as a result of heavy rain over time, and soil loss and farmland damage were severe. After restoration, plants began to grow and flourish on the riverbanks. The multi-porous design of the precast block levee enabled favorable plant restoration and environmental protection. Overall, the project has been very effective.
6. Restoration Project Evaluation
The post-project appraisals (PPAs) proposed by Downs and Kondolf (2002) were applied to the evaluation of currently retained data from the restoration project. The results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1
PPA Results of the Qiding Section of the Xuxian River Remediation and Restoration Project
Examination Item | Appraisal Result | Description |
Objectives and success standards of the project | Incomplete | The budget described the objectives of the project as “To ensure environmental protection and improvement, to protect the lives and property of the public, and to ensure project effectiveness.” No objectives or standards of success were actually defined. |
Collection and investigation of basic data | Incomplete | Only records of measurements made of the project river channel and photos of part of the river section remain, other basic data (e.g. ecology and habitat) are unavailable. |
Design concept | Unavailable | There is no relevant record or data defining the project design concept. |
Design drawings | Complete | Includes budget plan, design drawings, as-built drawing and estimating plan. |
Post-project preliminary survey | Unavailable | No data from post-project preliminary survey are available. |
Post-project monitoring plan | Unavailable | No post-project monitoring plan is available. |
Auxiliary analysis procedures | Required | Onsite investigation and photographic evidence were conducted and recorded on 20 January 2010, 1 March 2010 and 16 June 2011.
|
7. Suggestions for Improvement
This river restoration project involved typical torrent soil and water conservation and remediation work. Therefore, it is natural that disaster prevention was the main objective. After post-project onsite investigation, we found that the restoration condition of the target section was greatly improved. Therefore, we suggest that the authorities should continue to monitor local condition. If the river remains in good condition after a flood, this experience can be applied to the remediation and restoration of other river channels. In addition, eco-friendly measures can be added to future projects to better maintain river ecology and habitat.
8. References
1. Downs, P. W., & Kondolf, G. M. (2002). Post-project appraisals in adaptive management of river channel restoration. Environmental Management, 29(4), 477-496.
2. Wang, X. W., Su, Y. W., & Jan, Q. D. (2012). River Restoration Post-Project Appraisal: The case of the Love River in Kaohsiung and the Gaoshan River in Taichung. Journal of Chinese Agricultural Engineering, 58(2), 39-53.
3. Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau. (2009). Yenshui River Upstream Torrent Remediation Project in Qijiao of Qiding Village. (98S-ADE-04-4-238)
",20131014,2522,Xuxian River Remediation and Restoration: Qiding Section "
1.Basic Data
Saltwater Port Creek is located at Kaohsiung Coastal Industrial Park in Siaogang District. It originates from Camel Hill, which is at the junction of the southernmost tip of Fengpitou in Xiaogang District, Kaohsiung City, and Linyuan District. Starting from Shanming Road and ending at Kaohsiung Second Port, the majority of it surrounds the China Steel Corporation. Its basin runs through the region of coastal industrial park. It is the drainage system in the industrial park, and it is commonly known as the big coastal gutter. It is the shortest river in Kaohsiung City. It is approximately 5 kilometers long, 60 meters wide, and the basin area is about 1,200 hectares. Except for agricultural return flows, Saltwater Port Creek has no other obvious source. During the rainy seasons, the main water source is the rainwater that flows from the sewer system into surface runoff along the creek.
Saltwater Port Creek is part of the regional drainage system. Its scale of sewage collection is small. Its source of pollution comes mainly from Siaogang District, which includes the coastal industrial park. 165 industries are in the river basin, and among those, 34 are construction sites, which are the majority, accounting for 20.6% of all the industries in Saltwater Port Creek. It is followed by 23 food manufacturing industries and 20 basic metal industries, which account for 13.9% and 12.1% of the basin respectively.
Saltwater Port Creek Wetland Restoration locates at the junction of Dianzhen Village and Shanming Village in Xiaogang District, Kaohsiung City (as shown). The significant landmark is the temporary construction site Bridge Number One (It is tagged as Coastal Bridge Number one on the map; The reference coordinates are X: 183698, Y: 2495155 according to TWD_67 Coordinate System). It is the upstream section of Saltwater Port Creek, and its scope ranges from Maoda Street at the northernmost section, to Lichang Street at the southernmost section, Beilin Road Bridge on Beilin Road at the easternmost section to Temporary Construction Site Bridge Number One on Costal Second Road at the westernmost section. The maintenance unit is the Maintenance Office of the Public Works Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government.
2.Project Overview
Saltwater Port Creek is a river whose basin runs through Coastal Industrial Park. Contaminated by domestic sewage and industrial wastewater, the river turned black, and looked like a big black ditch. Serious oil contamination, garbage and animal carcasses were commonly seen in the river. Based on the successful experience of pollution remediation of Love River and Hojing Creek, Kaohsiung City Government team decided to reconstruct Saltwater Port Creek in early 2004, initiating a remediation project combining the contaminated river in industrial park with the ecosystem, and restoring the creek into an ecological wetland.
The launch of Saltwater Port Creek’s regeneration project meant that heavy industries such as China Steel Corporation and CPC Corporation were willing to put more care into the local environment wherein they were based, and that the public sector, such as Executive Yuan Environmental Protection Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs Industrial Development Bureau, and experts were willing to invest funds and efforts to save the dying river. Local residents and businesses also activated eco-thinking because of this river: Rivers in industrial parks can also be eco-resilient!
Location of Saltwater Port Creek Restoration Project
3.Situation Before and After Remediation
Photos taken at different stages of the restoration operation can be used to compare and understand the developments and changes of the surroundings. Except for presenting the historical photos acquired and collected from documentations, photos taken on 15th May 2014 during the case follow-up inspection and the photos of relevant stages are presented as follows.
Kaohsiung City Government Public Works Bureau provided the historical photos. It has been 9 years since the completion of this project in 2005, and the current situation of some of the structures or the environment of the river channel is different. The photography date and location of the relevant documents are difficult to identify. Its image data were retained as a historical reference to the general situations of the environment.
4.Ecological Restoration Effectiveness
The detection of water quality conducted after the completion of the restoration project found that in the test results, the biological oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solids (SS) had decreased; biochemical oxygen demand during the day was reduced by the 11.3 mg / l to 2.4 mg / l, suspended solids value of 18.6 mg / l was reduced to 13.1 mg / l; dissolved oxygen (DO) in clear water segment had increased from 0 mg / l before remediation to 4.5 mg / l. The clear river section saw occasional scenarios of fish swimming, white egrets were seen flying and foraging, displaying the preliminary efficacy of ecological engineering, so the City Government team felt confident.
Black ditch, the notoriety of Saltwater Port Creek will be completely removed, and it will become an ecological riverside park with landscape for recreation in South Kaohsiung industrial park. We are convinced that in the near future, the goal of transforming Industrial Parks into real parks will soon be achieved.
5.Focus of the Project
Adopting ecological engineering remediation as the strategy, we made use of the original method of nature to regenerate the self-purification capacity of rivers.
Abiding by the principle of maintaining the original green landscape of the river channel, one new water channel was added. Water will be split and purified by layers depending on the degree of pollution. On the riverside, pebble beach areas, natural stone heaps areas, and marshes were set up. Also, woodpile is used for water gathering and diversion, and for expanding the wetland area and enhancing the effect of aeration.
The construction of wetlands could be actualized by engineering projects such as making use of native marshes to conduct pollution filtration, sedimentation, and adsorption to purify the water flow of Saltwater Port Creek with the methods including the design of artificial wetlands, underground gravel purification, overland flow, subsurface infiltration, as well as contact oxidation.
tarting from the planning stage of Saltwater Port Creek Wetlands, the Environmental Protection Agency, Coastal Industrial Park, and relevant units had conducted several negotiations to discuss the issues of ecological wetland and the discharge of industrial wastewater. The importance of river ecology was also advocated, with the hope that it would raise the awareness of manufacturers in the Industrial Parks and nearby residents to cherish the rivers.
6.Results Evaluation and Review
Restoring the self- purification capacity of the river by ecological engineering is itself a pioneering undertaking. “Saltwater Port Creek ecological engineering water quality improvement project” was completed at the end of 2005. After improving the upstream section, which ranges from Beilin Road to Costal Second Road (approximately 800 meters), rigorous water control and treatment calculation was conducted on the structures, and having been through 7 tests of typhoons during the construction in 2005, the natural stone heaps areas, marshes, and woodpiles were all safe and sound, which showed the structure of ecological engineering was stable.
According to the Papers written by Professor Shan Ming Yang published in 2006, the results of this wetland restoration and the improvement of water quality was known through the results of water quality survey conducted during June to November 2006. We learned that by using stone sills and gabions to improve water quality in Saltwater Port Creek, the purification removal efficiencies are BOD 21% on average, SS removal efficiency 16%, TN removal efficiency 29%, and TP removal efficiency 28%. It shows that the restoration project has positive effects on improving water quality initially after the project was completed.
7.Follow-up Inspection Evaluation and Review
Relevant literature and data were collected during the follow-up inspection assessment operation, and among them, one relevant statistical report was made by Kaohsiung City Government Environmental Protection Bureau Soil and Water Pollution Control Division (2013). It was known that there were a total of three water quality stations established by Environmental Protection Bureau in Saltwater Port Creek basin, which are from upstream to downstream, Beilin intersection, Temporary Construction Site Bridge Number One, and China Steel Corporation Nanmen Bridge respectively. During the recent 4 years (2009 - 2012), the majority of the water quality monitoring results generated from each station indicated a state of serious pollution, which showed that there were rooms for improvement in terms of water quality circumstances in Saltwater Port Creek.
In 2012, Beilin junction station was the only station in Saltwater Port Creek basin that saw a deterioration of water quality when compared to that in 2011, which was mainly affected by the influx of livelihood sewage from Xiaogang area.
In summary, from the river channel environment overview presented by additional information of relevant literature and the images of the follow-up inspection, we learned that the results of restoration were not as planned and expected.
We evaluated that the cause of the difficulty in maintaining the restoration results is that the self-purification capacity of river is inferior to pollution sources, and apart from agricultural return flow, Saltwater Port Creek had no other obvious source of water. The water shortage also led to the downgrading of the river’s self-purification capacity.
Through evaluation and review of this case, it showed that simply relying on the self-purification capacity of artificial wetlands and rivers to create a natural river environment and improve water quality is not entirely applicable to the restoration of this river section.
It is advised that the authorities should re-evaluate the setting of restoration project objectives, or try adopting other water purification methods to complement artificial wetlands, and create an eco-friendly environment, which is then beneficial to the formation of a scenic recreational eco-river park in the Industrial Park.
8.Public sector executive team of this case
Director-general of Public Works Bureau, Lin Qin-Rong; Director of Department of Planning, Peng Hui-Ming; Director of Hydraulic Engineering Office, Peng Zhen-Sheng; Section Chief, Dong Jing-Yue; Senior Engineer, Chen Jin-Quan; Assistant Engineer, Qian Sheng-Wen.
",20140707,2523,Saltwater Port Creek Wetland Restoration "
1.Basic Data
Chaofeng Pond Canal Restoration is located at the pond between fields on Section 2, Bixing Road, Caotun Township, Nantou County (as shown). Inflicted by 921 earthquake and the torrential rains of typhoons, the bank slope of Chaofeng Pond collapsed and was seriously damaged, which led to the sight of garbage siltation and overgrown weeds. Coupled with the sewage discharge generated from the upstream pig farm, the water was seriously polluted. To harmonize the surrounding environment and to maintain natural ecosystem in local area, an ecological restoration project was undertaken around the canal in conjunction with a remediation project of the bank slope, where bicycle paths and pedestrian trails around the lake are constructed.
2.Project Overview
The ecological levee and canal bed of the pond are both constructed with stone pitching or earth slopes. Without a closed end pipe pile at the bottom of the pond, water drainage into the underground was improved, which contributed to groundwater conservation; and with the porous space design composed of stone pitching and fish wells, it provides a biological habitat for all species of frogs, fish, shrimps, crabs, and insects. It also serves as a recreational and educational site for the public. In addition, restoring the self-purification capability of the plants, the upstream section was established as the water purification reach, where pollutant-absorbing plants were planted to improve the water quality of the pond.
3.Situation Before and After Remediation
Photos of general environmental situations before, after, and in various stages of the restoration project. These could be served as a means of comparison for the changes that occurred over time during the implementation process of the restoration project and its outcome. Relevant literatures on the restoration project were compiled through the collection of historical data, and photos taken in various stages were sorted and shown as image data below.
As the historical photos collected before and after the restoration project are not marked with the location and the direction of flow, comparing the follow-up inspection operations of the results of the restoration project with historical data to review the results of the restoration is made challenging. Therefore, in the 2014 a follow-up inspection of the restoration results, the locations of photos of general environmental situations are marked on 2012 Google Earth map as a supplement. And the photos are marked with highlights and shooting dates, to facilitate cross-reference of relevant operations such as the restoration results that change over time, and the maintenance and improvements carried out.
4.Engineering Techniques Adopted
Stone pitching, earth slope method, and riprap are adopted. Abiding by the principle of unsealed ecological pond, water infiltration in soil could increase. The constructed pedestrian trail and viewing platform also serve as a recreational site for the local residents. In addition, the levee is planted with native plants including Water Willows and Chinaberries. On the side slope, cobbles were laid out and fish wells were embedded, expanding the habitat space for organisms.
5.Focus of the Project
(1) Project Content
Side slope protection measures 606 meters; 3 wooden platforms; 2 lay-by platforms, bicycle path, 1 bridge, 343 meters of pedestrian trail paved with high pressure interlocking brick.
(2) Design concept
Inflicted by 921 earthquake and the torrential rains of typhoons, the bank slope of Chaofeng Pond collapsed, and was seriously damaged, which led to the sight of garbage siltation and overgrown weeds. Coupled with the sewage discharge generated from the upstream pig farms, the water quality was seriously polluted. To harmonize the surrounding environment and to maintain a natural ecosystem in the local area, this ecological restoration project was undertaken around the canal in conjunction with a remediation project of the bank slope, where bicycle path and pedestrian trail around the lake were built. It also serves as a recreational and educational site for local residents. In addition, resorting to the self-purification capability of the plants, the upstream section was established as the water purification reach, where pollutants absorbing plants were planted to improve the water quality. It is hoped that this ecological engineering project would achieve the purposes of ecological restoration, water purification, and recreation, as well as making a contribution to the conservation of the overall ecological environment in Taiwan, fulfilling the three functions of farmland water conservancy, production, livelihood, and ecology.
(3) Achievements
The remediation of the pond’s levee and canal bed of the restoration project in question has adopted stone pitching or earth slope. Without closed end pipe piles at the bottom of the pond, water drainage into the underground was improved, which contributed to groundwater conservation; and with the porous space design composed of stone pitching and fish wells, it provides a biological habitat for all species of frogs, fish, shrimps, crabs, and insects. It also serves as a recreational and educational venue for the public.
6.Evaluation and Review
(1) The materials used in eco-engineering techniques are more complicated, the remediation is more difficult and the unit-price is higher. Also, the supplementation of several hydrophilic and landscape facilities incurred a higher cost of remediation. And if there was no adopting unit, the maintenance costs of the follow-up management would be fairly high. It is more appropriate to budget liberally.
(2) In terms of the applied materials of eco-engineering techniques, the main ones should be the stones, woods or plants available locally. However, most materials required for the improvement of general canals and ponds are not available locally, and thus must be imported from other places, which causes ecological destruction of other places instead.
(3) It was found in the 2014 follow-up inspection that due to the lack of an adopting unit and proper maintenance, the chain of the guardrail of the restoration results is defective and destroyed, which could cause potential safety concerns. And in the upstream section of the restoration region, the plants planted for the purpose of water purification have all disappeared. Hence the water purification function no longer exists. The above stated situation could be improved should appropriate maintenance be put in place.
(4)Overall, the impoundment of this pond is to be used for irrigation. The completed restoration not only saw the collapsed bank repaired and the pollution situation improved, but the recreational function it provides is also satisfactory. Compared with the environment before the restoration, the results of restoration is, as it were, favorable. This project could serve as the reference for other ponds that are to undergo similar restoration improvement.
(5)It is advised that the competent authority of this project should mend the damaged parts of the structure as early as possible in order to maintain the sustainable achievement of the restoration.
",20140708,2524,Chaofeng Pond Canal Restoration "1.Basic Data
Liuzigou Canal ecological engineering restoration is located in Diexi Village, Xikou Township, Chiayi County (as shown). The reference coordinates are X: 192729, Y: 2610272 (TWD_67 Coordinate System). It is part of the irrigation canal next to Sandie Stream. This was originally a trapezoidal canal lined with concrete. As it was long neglected and in disrepair, and a wide area of land on each side of the channel is covered with dense undergrowth, it was in urgent need of renovation. To strengthen channel management, preserve the natural environment, and fulfill ecological conservation, the ecological engineering restoration project was carried out.
Location of Liuzigou Canal Ecological Engineering Restoration Project
2.Project Overview
Canal remediation work was undertaken over an area that was roughly 228meters in length. The project included the following structures: 2 steel arch bridges, 1 ecological pond, 1 parking lot, and a 380m-long rail-trail.
3.Situation Before and After Remediation
Photos taken before, during, and after the restoration project could serve as references for developments seen in different restoration operation stages. Follow-up inspection was carried out on 5th June 2014 in pursuance of mastering the general situation of the results of the restoration.
4.Ecological Restoration Effectiveness
A natural waterway ecosystem was created, wherein the design of porous spaces has offered biological habitats for organisms including frogs, small fish and aquatic insects. Apart from purifying the water, the design of the eco pond also enhanced biological diversity. The green landscaping and walking trails on both sides serve as a place of recreation and walk taking for the residents.
So with the completion of the project, not only the ecosystem, but also the community development was benefited. No longer was the area covered with dense undergrowth, present instead was a piece of greenery. Under the bridge, water flowed, willows swayed in the settling sun while a breeze brushed by. How refreshing and leisurely it was.
5.Focus of the Project
This canal was originally a trapezoidal canal lined with concrete. As it was long neglected and in disrepair, it was in urgent need of renovation. The land on each side of the channel was fairly wide, and was covered with dense undergrowth. To strengthen channel management, preserve the natural environment, and fulfill ecological conservation, a bio-swale design was applied on the channel section. With stone pitching on the bottom of the channel, multi-pore space was shaped, which provided an environment for organism habitat. Sod and hydro seeding were planted on the groundsills, greening the channel whilst taking the ecosystem into account. An eco pond was built on the left bank. It purified the water and created biodiversity. The open spaces on each side were used to plant trees and bushes, and grass is sown there as well, creating a natural environment of a food chain. Two steel arch bridges were built to connect the rail-trails on each side of the bank, providing a venue where residents living nearby are allowed to ease up, where humans and nature are brought closer.
6.Results Evaluation and Review
(1) As the project in question is an irrigation canal, the design of a natural canal is less acceptable to farmers. Also dredging will be more challenging in the future.
(2) Too much manmade material was used in this design. The necessity of such should be further reviewed.
(3) The most challenging issue relating to the green landscaping projects is the management budget for sustainable maintenance. Therefore before designing, the public in the community or some associations should have coordinated to make adoptions in advance, so that the adverse effects, such as overgrown weeds, can be prevented.
(4) On 5th June 2014, a follow-up inspection of the results of restoration was carried out. By comparing with the historical photos, it was seen that the original trapezoidal canal lined with concrete within the project range had been upgraded to a river channel with a natural riverbank, and the overall environment had been improved. However, it has been 8 years since the restoration project was completed up to now, and due to the lack of proper management and maintenance, some of the facilities had gradually lost the functions planned by the original design concept. Only the eco-friendly environment around the canal was maintained. Therefore, it is advised that the authority in charge should schedule maintenance as appropriate.
(5) Following the implementation of the follow-up inspection of the restoration results in question, overview results of the restoration were studied, and requirements for improvement were proposed timely. It may after all be accepted as a feasible solution for monitoring the management and maintenance project.
(6) The restorative objectives of Liuzigou Canal Ecological Engineering Restoration were to update and improve the canal, as well as to improve the surroundings and create a venue for recreation concurrently. Through the results of the follow-up inspection, it was learnt that although the objectives of the restoration project were achieved, the lack of proper maintenance and management had however reduced the capabilities of the results of restoration gradually, which was rather unfortunate. This restoration project, its related plans and its design concept can be used as a reference for other similar projects. Also, lessons could be drawn from its deficiencies or shortcomings.
",20140707,2525,Liuzigou Canal ecological engineering restoration "I. Basic information
The Laojie River is located in Taoyuan County. At 36.7km long, it flows through Longtan Township, Pingzhen City, Zhongli City and Dayuan Township, covering a watershed of 82km2, and it belongs to one of the plateau water systems in Taoyuan. The Laojie River Restoration Project encompasses areas covering Yanping Bride in Pingzhen City to Huanbei Bridge in Zhongli City, totaling approximately 1,800m. The most prominent landmark is Xinshi Park in Zhongli City.
Position map of the Laojie River Restoration Project (Google Maps, 2014)
II. Project summary
The Laojie River Restoration Project is a joint effort from various departments, sections and offices of the Taoyuan County Government; it is known as the “The Taoyuan County Laojie River Waterfront Construction Project”. The construction and work distribution is as follows: (1) Water Resources Bureau – River dredging and landscape transformation; (2) Urban and Rural Development Bureau – Urban and rural renewal project including Ravine Life Park, Green Bridge Green Corridor, Riverbank Ecological Pool, Forest Park and Green Park City Axis; (3) Environmental Protection Bureau – Gravel contact oxidation water purification and improvement; (4) Agricultural Development Bureau – Biodiversity supplementary investigation; (5) Education Bureau – River Education Center operation, management and tour guide training; (6) Department of Cultural Affairs – Local community building and historic data investigation.
The key aspects of the restoration project are flood prevention, dredging, water quality improvement and environmental rehabilitation. By demolishing illegal buildings in the Laojie River Market, the river will once again see the light of day, and the insufficient channel cross section will also be improved in order to enhance the flood prevention function of the Laojie River. Interceptor box culverts are built along the riverbank to converge household sewage to the sewage treatment plant. Furthermore, a gravel contact oxidation facility is constructed in Xinshi Park so that treated river water can be re-discharged into the Laojie River and supplement the purified water source, in turn improving the water quality of the Laojie River. In terms of environmental rehabilitation, a 3.6km circular scenic bicycle path and sidewalk are constructed along the Laojie River; parts of the bridges are reconstructed and combined with night time illumination system to beautify the green waterfront environment. In addition, green leisure spaces on either bank are joined to re-create the blue and green belt landscape of the Laojie River. The River Education Center is established to provide the history of the Laojie River as well as its restoration, dredging and environmental education.
The Laojie River Market was constructed in 1997 by covering up roughly 725m of the river course starting at the 128m mark upstream of Zhongzheng Bridge to the 200m mark downstream of Zhongyang Bridge. Since the construction was not carried out according to the blueprint, it became an illegal structure and was demolished by the Restoration Project. At the same time, the stream channel cross section is reviewed, and river sections with such inadequacies caused by the construction of the market are improved. After the cover was removed, the protection standard is adopted to ensure that the recurrence of 100-year floods will not cause an overbank, while river sections with insufficient width are broadened to 35m. Due to the lack of beam elevation of the bridge section within the uncovered section, the channel cross section cannot satisfy the flood protection standard that stipulates that the recurrence of 100-year floods will not cause an overbank. Consequently, Zhongzheng Bridge, Zhongxing Bridge and Zhongyang Bridge are reconstructed using the pier-less design, which is able to increase the flood discharge capacity of the Laojie River and enhance the overall aesthetics of the bridge.
Demolition process of the Laojie River Market (Water Resources Bureau, Taoyuan County Government, 2011)
Cuiti Bridge connects spaces on both banks | Zhongzheng Bridge Reconstruction and Beautification Project adopts the pier-less design to facilitate flood discharge |
The Laojie River originates from Longtan Township, Taoyuan County and flows from the south to the north. The upstream river section is less polluted and has better water quality; the water system flows through four major municipalities including Longtan Township, Pingzhen City, Zhongli City and Dayuan Township. The restored river section is located in Zhongli City; as the river water flows downstream, it is converged with sewage from both banks, resulting in the moderately polluted water quality of the Laojie River restoration section as classified by the RPI (River Pollution Index). In order to improve the pollution problem of the Laojie River caused by the discharge of household sewage and industrial wastewater, the restoration project has established interceptor box culverts along the riverbank to divert general household sewage along the uncovered section of the river to the sewage treatment plant. Moreover, a gravel contact oxidation facility is created in Xinshi Park on the right bank of the downstream section near Yanping Bridge in Pingzhen City, so that treated river water can be re-discharged back to Laojie River.
Sewage flow route illustration (Environmental Protection Bureau, Taoyuan County Government, 2011)
Water processed by the gravel contact oxidation facility is re-discharged back to the Laojie River
Environmental engineering involves improving the unsightly buildings and narrow alleyways near the riverbank, as well as to connect the park’s green spaces. Through image design, the local urban environmental characteristics will be enhanced. In addition, a River Education Center is established to provide the function of environmental education.
Circular scenic bicycle path, riverbank pedestrian trail and beautified gentle sloped riverbank | River Education Center |
The philosophy and goal of the Laojie River Restoration Project is to rethink Laojie River’s role and position in the urban space of Zhongli City by examining how the spaces of the covered section of the Laojie River and the surrounding land can be utilized to improve the overall waterfront space and improve the landscape of Zhongli City. Furthermore, the aim is also to improve public safety and the quality of the living environment in order to create a win-win situation for the government and private sector.
In terms of water quality and quantity, the Laojie River is responsible for flood discharge, therefore the flood relief capacity of the restored river section must be examined; moreover, tangible improvement solutions are devised to broaden the narrow sections of the Laojie River to meet river governance requirements. Due to the poor river water quality unbearable odor, how to incorporate water improvement projects from the Environmental Protection Bureau in the future to effectively improve water quality and provide a “safe, clean and friendly” urban river environment is a major point of consideration.
As for tangible and feasible solutions, in addition to demolishing the covered section of the river, retaining embankment and dike construction as well as canal bottom improvement solutions will also be devised. Other measures taken will include: sewage interception, sewage interception pipeline, bridge beautification waterfront improvement, waterfront landscaping, urban waterfront landscaping and street improvement etc. Project proposals, design techniques, landscape images, creativity and quality should be refined in order to enhance the construction design of the Laojie River’s riverbank landscape. Furthermore, sustainable operation and management should be taken into consideration.
III. Pre-project an post-project comparison (photographic comparison of different stages of restoration)
The most noticeable aspect of the Laojie Street Restoration Project is the demolishment of the Laojie Street Market, which once again allows the river course to see the light of day. Photos of the pre and post-project river course environment are offered below for comparison.
It is clear from satellite images that the covered section of the river has been demolished after the restoration project.
Street scenery of the market by the Zhongzheng Bridge prior to restoration | Street scenery of Zhongzheng Bridge after restoration |
Narrow alleyway between the market and residential building prior to restoration. | Spacious promenade after restoration. |
Construction in progress of the Xinshi Park prior to restoration. (Water Resources Bureau, Taoyuan County Government, 2012) | Xinshi Park scenic bicycle path after restoration. |
Construction in progress of Cuiti Bridge prior to restoration (Water Resources Bureau, Taoyuan County Government, 2012) | Downstream environment at Cuiti Bridge prior restoration after restoration. |
Nighttime illumination of the bridges prior to and after restoration.
IV. Project outcome evaluation and review (restoration benefits, monitoring and maintenance project, recommendations)
According to study by Yang Yu-Xian (2014), three project objectives can be summarized: river flood discharge capacity improvement, water quality improvement and landscape design. The study results reveal that after bridge restoration the recurrence of 100-year floods will not cause an overbank thanks to improved river course flood discharge capacity. In terms of water quality improvement, according to three water sample investigations in 2014, the River Pollution Index (RPI) indicates that aside from the river section along Cuiti Bridge – which shows better water quality (lightly polluted) thanks to supplemental water from the gravel contact oxidation plant – the remaining sections of the river under restoration exhibit moderate pollution. In terms of landscape design, through questionnaire survey from the local population, it was ascertained that approximately 90% of them are satisfied with the environment; the riverside landscape after restoration is suitable for family recreational activities such as strolling and riding bicycles. Generally speaking, roughly 70% of the public exhibited their approval toward the restoration project.
However, there appears to be a lack of certainty for projects concerning the subsequent maintenance and management operations. As for water quality improvement, in addition to limited improvement shown by the current sewage interception measures and the gravel contact oxidation technique, water pollution prevention efforts should be expanded to elevate the overall water quality. The maintenance of the overall landscape environment should also rely on collaboration between the local communities and the government in order to ensure sustainability.
",20141008,2526,Restoration of the Laojie River "I. Basic information
The Wannian River is formerly the Fanzaibu River or Ahou River. Fed by Haifeng Ditch, Chonglan Old Ditch and Guilai Gongguan Ditch upstream, the river flows through Reiguang Road and Dalian Road in the suburbs into Pingtung City before passing through Qianxi Park next to Ziyou Road and Zili Road, 5.5km long. The river’s downstream merges with the Shashe River and flows into the Niouchou River and then the Gaoping River. The Wannian River Restoration and Dredging section is located in central Pingtung City, spanning from Guangdong Bridge upstream to Niouchousi Bridge downstream near Hesheng Road, totaling 4.4km long. The most noticeable landmark is Qianxi Park.
Position map of the Wannian River restoration and dredging section
The Wannian River is the lifeblood of Pingtung City, because it has profound impact on local development, people’s lives as well as the history of the city and its cultural memory. During the process of development, industrial and livestock wastewater increased considerably and household sewage was also discharged into the Wannian River; as a result, the river became heavily polluted, causing the water to turn black and emit a foul odor.
In 1995, the Pingtung County Government planned to erect piers and cover up the Wannian River. However, the project was stopped due to disputes, and the piers stretching over 3~4km of the river course became a unique urban spectacle in Taiwan during the past decade (as illustrated in the photo).
According to the 2010 feature report “Pingtung Deep Breath – New River of Hope in the City” on the overall restoration of the Wannian River in Pingtung published on the CPAMI’s website, the Wannian River Dredging Project started in 2008 and it was completed in 2012. The four main goals of the project are “water quality improvement”, “water source supplementation”, “river course dredging” and “landscape improvement”. Only when water source and quality are improved and after the residents are confident about the dredging benefits will stage two of the river dredging and landscape improvement be implemented.
In 2010, piers in parts of the river were demolished and recycled to construct ecological gabions, while aquatic plants and waterfront plants are cultivated to restore its original ecological façade. At the same time, the spaces around the Wannian River are used to create new urban appearances and sculpt a sustainable riverbank space to foster industrial, cultural and ecological prosperity. The aim is to increase the utilization rate of riverbank spaces, improve/increase the length, width and shade of pedestrian trails, thereby ensuring pedestrian safety and comfort. In addition, the barrier-free pedestrian spaces on both sides of the Wannian River can be connected to create different riverbank sceneries along various sections of the river, in turn endowing the Wannian River with new life!
Design philosophy and concept
The surrounding area of the Wannian River features abundant, diverse natural and cultural resources. Through the network of waterways and greenery, surrounding parks, schools and temples etc. can be interconnected to integrate the ecosystem in Pingtung region and increase its biodiversity, thereby creating a high quality recreational space. The concrete piers in parts of the river course are demolished to create a river course ecosystem. Hydraulic calculations are applied to analyze and ensure that the flood discharge capacity of the river course will not be affected before large steel reinforced concrete piers are demolished in different sections, and the structures are reused as cultivation troughs for water purification wetlands. Furthermore, the concrete riverbed is pulverized to serve as fillers for the ecological gabions in order to enhance the riverbank’s biodiversity. The relevant implementation strategies are explained below:
(I) Water quality improvement
1. Water quality purification
The green space around the Wannian River is used as the wetland for water purification, where solar power or gravity is employed to introduce water into the park’s green space; it also serves ecological education purposes. Sluice gates are used to control the volume of water entering the wetland to avoid inundating the green space during heavy rain or flood. Multilayered filtration/purification pool, zigzagged waterways are established to maximize sewage aeration, as well as the contact surface area and duration between the sewage and the purification plants.
2. Sewage interception and purification
In the short-term, rainwater is intercepted to process sewage, where conduits are installed to intercept the converged sewage and introduce it to the nearby water purification wetland. The water quality can be improved noticeably within a short period of time. However, for the long-term, a closed sewage piping system connecting to every household is required.
3. Increase the water level of the Wannian River
Appropriate locations are chose to construct rubber dams or river dams in order to increase the water level of the Wannian River. Combined with water purification function offered by the surrounding green spaces, the purified water will be used to supplement the Wannian River’s water flow.
(II) Surrounding green space design
1. Activity nodes
The odd unused spaces around the river are converted to recreational squares for the neighborhood, and spaces with historical and cultural meanings are interconnected to create unique squares suitable for organizing events.
2. Characteristic riverside plantation
Native tree species with changing appearances in different seasons are planted as shade trees, while pendulous plants and vines are cultivated to soften the exposed concrete surface of the dam.
3. Characteristic bridges In addition to nighttime lighting, local community folklores for bridges such as the Bridge of Hope, Bridge of History and the Black Wobbly Bridge are introduced to enlighten the public of their historic significance.
4. Gabion embankment
A gabion embankment can prevent the loss of soil from the sloping bank and conserve water. Its natural dynamic regulatory function is able to withstand the effects of erosion or sedimentation, thereby reducing the risk of collapsed embankment due to the erosion of foundation. Moreover, it also creates a porous, diverse natural habitat for living organisms.
(III) Sectional river course design concept
1. Square in front of Yuhuang Temple
The Wannian River is 5.5km long, the most historically and culturally significant section is in the vicinity of Yuhuang Temple. The theme of the square is created by combining the Li Shu-De Old Residence, Temple of Zengsen and Yuhuang Temple with history, culture and Eastern/Western music to establish a sustainable riverbank space that fosters the prosperity of local ecology, culture, arts and tourism.
2. Jianguo Bridge to Yongda Bridge
Since the section between Yongda Bridge and Jianguo Bridge is relatively longer (roughly 549m), therefore the “Bridge of History” is constructed to connect both banks. Since the hinterland on the left and right bank of the river is more spacious, a little variation can be introduced for the walking space, or exercising facilities can be created for the public’s convenience.
3. Yongda Bridge to Fuxin Bridge
A deeper channel begins to appear in the river section between Yongda Bridge and Fuxin Bridge, therefore ecological gabions are built on either side and in the center to act as cultivation areas for water lilies in order to enrich the landscape of the river surface. As the existing guardrails are relatively low, wooden handrails are installed to enhance safety. In addition, stone and rubble veneers are applied to beautify the bridge.
The left bank of this river section is adjacent to Fuxin Park, thus it is recommended to devise short range and long range plans for improving the riverbank; the short range plan will focus on increasing green space and aquatic plantation, while the long range plan aims to connect the park and the grass slope using the dike excavation technique, so that the green space will not be interrupted by car lanes, in turn increasing ecological habitat and public recreational space.
4. Fuxin Bridge to Niouchousi Bridge
In order to connect both banks, the “Bridge of Hope” is constructed at the converging point of the Shashe River, and a viewing deck is also created to provide the public with riverside recreational space. Concrete brick tiles are paved over the existing PC surface and a 3m wide sidewalk is created. The lack of space on the left bank is compensated by a 2.5m wide cantilevered footpath, and green areas are augmented to offer the pedestrians a more comfortable walking space.
(IV) Parking and pedestrian space planning
1. A 6m wide two-way street is designed on the left bank of the Wannian River together with parallel parking spaces on the roadside. Green belt plantation and shade trees are cultivated as well. For narrower sections of the road, a wooden path is created to complement the viewing deck in order to establish a friendly community space.
2. The entire length of the Wannian River’s right bank is transformed into parallel parking spaces to make parking more orderly.
3. Connection of the Wannian River sidewalk: Two rows of trees are planted at the right bank sidewalk to beautify the pedestrian space.
4. Motorcycle parking spaces are created at the intersections and squares to satisfy the diverse needs of the public.
III. Comparison before and after the Restoration Project
The project to restore and dredge the Wannian River is a result of the suspension of pier and cover construction by the Pingtung County Government caused by disputes. The project mainly involves river environment dredging, improvement and the demolition of parts of the piers in the river.
Explanations for the transformation in river environment as well as the differences between pre-restoration and post-restoration conditions are provided below together with several photos as reference.
IV. Project outcome evaluation and review
The Wannian River Restoration and Dredging Project improved the channelization of the Wannian River and poor water quality, which was designed with flood prevention and safety in mind but neglected the surrounding river ecology. The project helps to improve water quality, traffic and pedestrian space, beautify the environment and create riverside recreational spaces etc. Not only does the project restore the tidiness of the river environment, it also facilitates the restoration of eco-friendly habitats and removes the stigma of the Wannian River as being a river of “eternal stench”. At the same time, through joint efforts from the county government and related departments, the industry, government and academia are all involved in the planning and design of the project. The private sector even voluntarily established the “Wannian River Conservation Association” to assist the conservation and maintenance of the Wannian River. Together, let us make the Wannian River more beautiful.
Although the Wannian River Restoration and Dredging Project has significantly improved the river environment, its water quality still has room for improvement. The project recommends that clear improvement goals should be specified (or the standard of success for the project goals), and the goals must be maintained and managed by regularly monitoring river water quality, river stability and project goal related aspects. Furthermore, the process should be authentically documented in a transparent manner so that it can be used as a reference for reviewing and improving the outcome of various stages of restoration. In doing so, the performance of the Restoration and Dredging Project can be effectively improved.
",20141008,2527,Wannian River Restoration and Dredging "I. Basic information
The Cambridge Restoration Project encompasses the section of the Han River stretching from Guoguang Bridge in Dali District, Taichung City to Jishan Bridge. The most noticeable landmark is the National Chung Hsing University and Guoguang Bridge next to Guoguang Road (Provincial Highway No.3). Guoguang Park is located by the riverside.
Position map of the Cambridge Restoration Project
II.Project summary
The Cambridge Restoration Project is implemented by the Third River Management Office of WRA through the “Han River Drainage – Jishan Bridge to Guoguang Bridge Environmental Engineering Project”. According to information published on the WRA’s website, the construction includes a detention basin park, bicycle path, recreational deck, event square, artificial wetland etc. The length of restoration is approximately 838m with a cost of NT$77.68 million. The project was carried out between June 1, 2011 and February 20, 2012.
The emphasis of the Restoration Project is to divide the river section into three functional sections such as ecological purification section, waterfront recreation section and flood detention & protection section. The zigzagged waterways create irregular green spaces and green belts on both sides of the river. Furthermore, natural ecology and the concept of community participation are incorporated to create the multifunctional environment around the river course in order to enhance the aesthetics and vivacity of the waterways. By creating a 2-hectare plus urban waterfront greenbelt landscape, the aim is to expand the public recreational space and enhance diverse functions including flood prevention safety, environmental beautification, recreation and ecological education.
Satellite image of the Cambridge Restoration Project river section (Google Map, 2014)
When visiting the site on September 20, 2014, an aeration pool has been constructed by the right bank of Guoguang Bridge’s downstream section, where natural aeration or aerators are applied to reinforce aeration and increase the level of dissolved oxygen in the water. This facilitates the inhabitation of aquatic organisms and water purification.
Aeration pool by the right bank of Guoguang Bridge’s downstream section
Immediately adjacent to the downstream-end of the aeration pool on the right bank is the artificial wetland, where aquatic plants adsorb and breakdown waste to purify the water. In addition, a promenade and bicycle path is created on both sides of the bank to offer a recreational venue for the public by the river.
The “Cambridges” allow the public to travel between the two banks, and the creation of the event square fosters the waterfront recreational functionality, diversity and convenience of the restore river section. Ordinarily, a rubber dam can be used to conserve water and create the water environment, but during flooding season, it can automatically collapse to discharge floodwater in order to prevent the water level from rising too high and causing an overflow. The rubber dam also creates a water environment to enrich aquatic activities along the restored river section.
Sewage from the aeration pool flows to the artificial wetland to be purified
Promenade on the left bank | Bicycle path on the right bank |
Cambridge and rubber dam create a water environment and connects the recreational spaces on both riverbanks.
Angling | Canoe polo competition |
Han River Drainage originally fell under the jurisdiction of the central government, in order to resolve the problem of flooding downstream, the Dali River Dredging Project in 1995 diverted the upstream water of the Han River into the Dali River at Dongmen Bridge, after which the Han River became purely an urban plain regional drainage. In 2006, the “Han River Drainage, Dredging and Environmental Engineering Planning” and “Han River Drainage Dredging Project” were completed.
In 2008, the WRA of MOEA started to implement the “Han River Drainage – Jishan Bridge to Guoguang Bridge Environmental Engineering Project” of the “Cambridge Project”. This is a demonstrative project for water environment engineering.
III. Comparison before and after the restoration project
Promenade on the left bankBicycle path on the right bank |
Environmental condition of the river section roughly 150m downstream of Guoguang Bridge |
Environmental condition of the river section roughly 350m downstream of Guoguang Bridge |
Converging point between the downstream section of the restored river section and the culvert. |
The original river course featured green vegetation and diverse ecology. After the restoration, the river course became more spacious; although its flood discharge capacity was improved at the cost of decreased green vegetation, the restored river course has become more refreshing and facility such as the waterfront square has enhanced the river’s friendliness for the public.
IV. Outcome assessment and review
According to news release by the Third River Management Office of WRA, the “Han River Drainage – Jishan Bridge to Guoguang Bridge Environmental Engineering Project” is also known as the “Cambridge Project”. The project employs flood prevention waterfront park design to sculpt the Cambridge landscape of Taichung, while the rubber dam is installed to regulate water level and create the water environment. In addition to the project, the WRA has also subsidized the Taichung City Government NT$19 million to build scenic bridges. The overall construction features functions such as ecological conservation, environmental education and flood detention/protection; the facilities include: detention basin park, bicycle path, recreational deck, event square and artificial wetland etc. Furthermore, community volunteers are recruited to participate in the river engineering project; in order to maintain the local environment and landscape, the Cambridge Volunteer Team is formed; it is the first volunteer team of its kind to integrate local community and university. Residents of Yonglong Li are responsible for cleaning and flower/tree trimming, while National Chung Hsing University is in charge of landscape design, pest control and ecological conservation. Together, the university and the community have joined hands to create the magnificent scenery of Cambridge.
On-site investigation in September 2014 at the restored river section reveals that the overall river environment is in good condition, and the aeration pool shows no sign of eutrophication. On the other hand, the artificial wetland can be divided into up and downstream sections; the upstream section is functioning normally while the downstream section often exhibits signs of arid riverbed due to insufficient water level. A variety of activities such as angling, canoe polo and holiday concerts are often held on the open river course. The rubber dam offers functions including water aeration, water level regulation and riverbank stabilization. Moreover, warning signs and volunteer flags are installed to indicate the maintenance organization of the restoration project.
Generally speaking, the goals of the restoration project include environmental engineering, ecological conservation, environmental education and flood detention/protection.
(1) Environmental engineering
Interviews with local residents reveal that most people are supportive of the outcome of the restoration efforts along the river section.
(2) Ecological conservation and environmental education
The goal of ecological conservation is less successful, albeit the aeration pool is inhabited by many species of fish, and turtles, egrets are also sporadically spotted along the river course. It is recommended to continue investigating and documenting the ecology along the restored river section, and relevant introductory signs should be created in suitable locations in order to enhance the environmental education function of the river restoration.
(3) Flood detention and protection
The river course adopts a compound section design; therefore the regular water flows in the low-lying river course while the event square and riverbank detention basin park fulfill the function of flood detention and protection during torrential rain.
The outcome of the Cambridge Restoration Project presents a case study of urban river restoration projects. The primary focus of restoration is environmental engineering and waterfront recreation, therefore the river sections originally covered in vegetation are dredged to provide a riverside space suitable for people to take a stroll, angle and organize various waterfront recreational activities.
",20141014,2528,Cambridge Restoration Project "I. Basic information
The Fongshan Section of Caogong Canal is a tributary of the Fongshan River in Kaohsiung and falls within the territory of the Fongshan District. The canal section is located near Fongshan Train Station and KMRT Fongshan Station. The Fongshan Section of the Caogong Canal Restoration Project spans across Zhonghua Street in front of Fongshan Train Station to Lizhi Street in a south-northerly direction, totaling about 0.72km. The project also stretches from the estuary of the Fongshan River to the Ziqiang Overpass in an east-westerly direction, totaling roughly 2.23km. The most noticeable landmark is Fongshan Train Station
Position map of Fongshan Section of the Caogong Canal Restoration Project
II. Project summary
The Fongshan Section of Caogong Canal is adjacent to residential buildings within active communities. Before restoration, the canal was covered by illegal building structures, resulting in accumulation of trash at the bottom of the canal, and the canal was often polluted by household sewage. As a result, the community environment was filthy and reeked of stench, and the canal became a stinky ditch avoided by the citizens as well as a gathering ground for city’s sewage.
The main purpose of the Fongshan Section of the Caogong Canal Restoration Project is to reshape the image of the Fongshan Section of Caogong Canal as the city’s gateway and cater for the living functions and recreational needs of the community. Furthermore, the aim is also to improve the water quality as well as landscape next to the canal. The restoration project is mainly implemented through the “Fongshan River Watershed Governance Project – Dredging Project for the Caogong Canal Tributary” (Water Resources Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government, 2010; Wu Ya-Wen, 2013).
The Restoration Project is divided into four stages between December 2007 and March 2010. The total construction budget of NT$230 million is subsidized by the EPA of the Executive Yuan, with Homeway Engineering Corporation in charge of planning and design. Construction firms involved include Chongren Construction Co., Ltd. (stage one), Yuantai Construction Co., Ltd. (stage two), Xuezhi Construction Co., Ltd. (stage three), Youfeng Construction Co., Ltd. (stage four). The project contents include riverside landscape beautification, river dredging exposition square, masonry embankment, water quality improvement project (household sewage interception along the river, introduction of supplemental water source via the Fongshan River Sewage Treatment Plant water regeneration facility), creation of a bicycle path and riverside recreational facilities (Beimen waterfront recreational facility, Zhanqian waterfront landscape), ecological water environment engineering etc.
Illustration of different stages of the Fongshan Section of Caogong Canal Restoration Project (Water Resources Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government)
The entire project is devised under the theme of “Reading City”, where the river course is divided into a trilogy, namely “Prologue: Western City Historic Corridor – from Ziyou Road to Lizhi Street”, “Episode Two: Mambo at Caogong Canal – from Fongshan Train Station to Ziyou Road”, “Episode Three: Luxuriant Northern City – from the Fongshan River to the converging point at Zhonghua Street” and “Encore: Waterfront Green Corridor – from Zhonghua Street converging point to Ziqiang Overpass”. The planning and design concepts are elaborated below:
Prologue: Western City Historic Corridor – from Ziyou Road to Lizhi Street
The section is located near the west gate of the ancient county town; therefore, it was an important gateway for access into the city and trading. The Pingcheng Battery and Chenglan Battery have witnessed the historic development of this region. The construction of the MRT station further justifies the status of the area as the gateway to the city.
Originally part of the unsightly suburban area littered with illegal structures, the gateway to the city is now restored to its former glory after extensive demolition and reconstruction. Furthermore, it now serves as a venue for community recreation. The removal of walls around Fongshan Elementary School has broadened the horizon of the entire space and drawn the campus closed to the local community.
The layered canal design features an open channel section discharging clear water to create the water environment. Sewage is collected by the interceptor canal and sent to the sewage treatment plant. The processed water is then piped to the ecological pool in Dadong Park for purification before it is discharged. As a result, the hygiene of the residential environment is improved and the spread of mosquitoes, flies and diseases is minimized to provide a healthy, safe recreational/living environment.
Illustration of riverbank sewage interception (Water Resources Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government)
Episode Two: Mambo at Caogong Canal – from Fongshan Train Station to Ziyou Road
The gateway spaces of Fongshan Train Station and MRT station are used to integrate pedestrian traffic. In particular, Zhonghua Street shopping street exudes an urban living image. By introducing the riverside route, the pedestrian traffic becomes more unhurried and casual, while the promenade, viewing deck, city wall and plantation form a serene waterfront environment for the community. The waterfront spatial design also re-creates the original texture of the ancient city, thereby creating the city’s environmental values and charisma.
The open channel connects spaces such as the historic monument the Pingcheng Emplacement, waterfront square, waterfront terraces and decks, where design is applied to create a sense of playfulness and visual vividness in the space. The open riverbank space facilitates convenient access for the public, and the waterfront image encompasses the entire street block.
Apart from the layered channel design identical to stage one of the project, where an open channel section discharges fresh water to create the water environment while sewage is collected by the interceptor canal and sent to the sewage treatment plant. The masonry embankment is constructed using eco-engineering techniques to improve water permeability, air ventilation and revitalize the surface of the embankment. The fusion of natural stone and environment evokes the historical texture of the ancient moat.
Episode Three: Luxuriant Northern City – from the Fongshan River to the converging point at Zhonghua Street
The section of the river is in close proximity to residential buildings; therefore, it is representative of urban green lifestyle and culture. The combination of riverside route network, environmental engineering, recreational facilities and spaces, promenade, bicycle path and seasonal plantations at the charismatic waterfront flower avenue forms a peaceful waterfront environment. Purified supplemental water from the Fongshan River is instrumental in creating the ecological landscape by endowing the river with new vitality, in turn restoring the environmental value of “waterfront living”.
For this section of river restoration, the embankment height is decreased to enhance its waterfront functionality. In addition, the terraced design generates a visual playfulness in the space. Sewage in the river is intercepted, collected and purified to restore its waterfront functionality.
Sewage in the river is collected and diverted by the underflow at the bottom of the channel, while fresh water from the sewage treatment plant and Dadong Park flows in the open channel to create the water environment.
Encore: Waterfront Green Corridor – from Zhonghua Street converging point to the Ziqiang Overpass
The focus of this river section is to improve the landscape, sculpt a cultural and artistic ambiance for the waterfront, define the spatial attributes of the city and continue the historic heritage; therefore, eco-engineering design is applied to bridge the urban river’s ecological system and corridor, thereby evoking the residents’ awareness about coexisting in harmony with nature.
The masonry embankment is constructed by employing the eco-engineering approach, where the porous environment optimizes water permeability and air ventilation, in turn revitalizing the surface of the embankment through increased infiltration rate. Furthermore, the fusion of natural stone and the environment restores the historic texture of the moat while taking the ecological habitat function of the river into consideration.
In addition, during the planning phase of the restoration project, the project implementation team invited local civic organizations to participate and offer their opinions by referring to records provided by the Water Resources Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government. The organizations include: Fengyi Chishan Culture and History Workshop, Kaohsiung City Youth Care Association, Fongshan City Beimen Community Development Association etc. The organizations’ participation facilitates the exchange of opinions between the government and private sector.
III. Comparison before and after the restoration project (photographic comparison of different stages of restoration)
Photographic comparison of different stages of restoration facilitates the understanding of the transformation of the restored river environment and the benefits of restoration. The data below is compiled using information from the Water Resources Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government.
IV. Project outcome evaluation and review (restoration benefits, monitoring and maintenance project, recommendations)
After the restoration, the history and spatial meaning of the moat and county town at the Fongshan Section of Caogong Canal is re-created through spatial and environmental transformation. As a result, the relationship between Fongshan City citizens and the waterfront space is improved; furthermore, the introduction of purified supplemental water from the Fongshan River helps the canal to shake off its image as a stinky ditch and endowed it with new life, in turn restoring the environmental value of “waterfront living”.
The more comprehensive the record on the restoration project is the more detailed reviews can be conducted, and it can also serve as a reference for similar restoration projects in the future. From the records on the subsequent management of the restoration project, it can be ascertained that the agency responsible is the Water Resources Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government. However, the firm which undertook the project will only provide three years of maintenance work after the completion of the project, and maintenance is only conducted once every month by the Water Resources Bureau. As the project was completed in 2010, an inspection was carried out four years later in 2014, which revealed that the river environment has been well maintained, and the relevant authority should keep up the good work.
In addition, an on-site inspection was conducted in June 2014, and an interview with residents living near the downstream section of Qingnian Road (stage four of restoration project) revealed that the restoration project has successfully improved the channel environment and water quality. However, due to the lack of water flow in the channel, the water level is too low for inhabitation. Consequently, it is recommended that the relevant authority should devise a method to raise the water level in order to foster channel ecology development.
",20141014,2529,The Fongshan Section of Caogong Canal Restoration " The river is the mother giving birth to the culture in human history, and it is loaded with the emotion of life, especially in Taiwan, as an island country. The old living environment with mountains and rivers around is still closely related to people’s lives in Taiwan. The special geographical characters filled with mountains and rivers in Taiwan cultivate the abundant and diversified ecological system, and the interaction between people and environment forms the current prosperous view. However, some problems are also derived from the aspects of development, natural environment, and ecology. This article takes the off-site reservoir of Tianhua Lake located at Houlong River basin, currently planned in the hydraulic planning and examination of Water Resources Agency as an example to realize the time and space distribution of the migratory species in weir based on the ecology investigation results of the previous years. Moreover, we proposed the viewpoint of ecological compensation to the impacts caused by reservoir dam along the coast of Feifeng River and its catchment area to practice environmental justice. Type | Character |
Eels, eel larvae | Swim into the estuary from the October of the year to the February of the next year, and begin to swim into the midstream and upstream, and adult fish are usually catadromous and swim into the ocean after the flood peak. |
Swamp eel, eel larvae | Swim into midstream and upstream in May and June, and adult fish are usually catadromous and swim into the ocean after the flood peak. |
| Migration in spring and summer, and mainly in May and June. |
| Swim into the upstream of the rivers in April and May, and swim into the ocean in September and October. |
| Migrate and swim up mainly in September. |
| Adult spawn and migrate after the big rain in spring and fall. |
Taiwan torrent carp, Thickhead chub , River loach, Formosan river loach | Group migration at the end of spring and the beginning of summer. |
Taliaokeng River is located at the southwest rim of the Taipei Basin, lying both the in administrations districts of New Taipei City and Taoyuan City. Its major tributaries include Yakaokeng River, Shibafenkeng River, Tandigou and Xishenggou. The area of its catchment is 29.37 km2, with the population of 240 thousand in the district.
The flood discharge of 10-year recurrence interval of Taliaokeng River is 280 cms, including 201cms of highland drainage and 79 cms of lowland drainage. Regarding its integrated regulation measures, highland drainage and lowland drainage are separated. In highland drainage, flood diversion and slope-land conservation were used. As to lowland drainage, pumping with water pumping station and improvements with tributary drainage were employed. Coordinated with rear embankment water intake route engineering project, main watercourse regulation project, and other measures, it accomplished the goals of reducing flood.
For years, new water pumping stations (Jianguo Pumping Station, Xishenggou Pumping Station, Taliaokeng Pumping Station, and Taliaokeng Pumping Station 2) had been built, bridges had been rebuilt, embankments heightened, new flood diversion channels (Poneikeng Diversion Channel, Tandikou-Junying Street Diversion, Te 2 Road Diversion) and output gates built, and drainage system improved, with the total investment of NT$3.7 billion.
The 10th River Management Office, WRA implemented the Regulation Project of Flood-prone Areas. The building of Taliaokeng Pumping Station 2 was completed in February 2015. The major contents of the engineering project included the widening of the outlet gates, with the adding of 2 steel chain folding door cranes, 2 outlet gates, pumping machines for pumping station facilities (5 pumping machines, pumping volume 13.8 cms each), trash remover (coarse and fine), 5 headrace channel gates, and related electrical engineering facilities. After the completion of the engineering project, the pumping volume of a single pumping machine is 13.8cms. 5 machines can pump 69 cms in total. Pumping together with Taliaokeng Pumping Station, it reaches 120 cms of pumping volume. It is more effective in reducing the threats of flood, safeguarding the inhabitants’ lives and properties.
3. The concept of people’s participation in operation
Regarding people’s participation, it is conducted with the guidelines of “Standard Operation Process for People’s Participation in Micro Habitat Construction.” It helps the teachers and students at Baiji Elementary School to blend into the environmental education courses. Encouraging participation in community preparatory meetings in the primary stage of the planning, the science fair prior to the construction of habitat, and the sketching contest after the construction inhabitants in the communities are encouraged to join the project.
3. Comparison before and after the restoration
Guoguang Bridge Environmental Construction Project: From 2003 to 2013, local residents were guided to conduct ecological environment monitoring to learn the concepts of ecological conservation and environmental education. With microhabitat construction, local inhabitants learned the concepts of intermediate water resources and habitat construction and environmental education. The goal was to build a catchment area in Shimen Reservoir by inviting people to participate in the ecological conservation and environmental education model zone. The goals and ideas, principles for designing and planning, construction schedule, and accomplishments of the microhabitat plan are summed up as follow:
The conditions after the construction of groundsill at the lower-stream of Longxing Bridge, Nanzaigou Stream
The conditions after the construction of groundsill at the lower-stream of Longxing Bridge, Nanzaigou Stream
Animal habitat gaps and stone revetments are added and sediments area cleared under Fengyi Bridge at the lower-stream Nanzaigou Stream
Animal habitat gaps and stone revetments are added and sediments area cleared under Fengyi Bridge at the lower-stream Nanzaigou Stream
Before and after the construction of animal habitats and the deep ponds in the lower-stream of Xinfu Canal, Nanzaigou Stream
Before and after the construction of animal habitats and the deep ponds in the lower-stream of Xinfu Canal, Nanzaigou Stream
Participation in the micro habitat construction project by the inhabitants in Nanzaigou and students and teachers of Baiji Elementary School
4. Evaluation and review of accomplishments
Nanzaigou Restoration and Regulation Project improved the problems of canalization, poor water quality, and flood. At the same time, it also considered the issues of flood prevention and safety and ecological education. In the stage of design, the engineering methods were designed with the suggestions of experts and scholars. Then it was submitted to the authorities (Northern Region Water Resources Office, Water Resource Agency, Ministry of Economic Affair) for reviewing. Passed the reviewing process, consensus was gained from local inhabitants before launching the construction. During the construction process, most of the beaches along Nanzaigou Stream were natural bald land. However, part of them was grasslands and bamboo woods. Therefore, it was possible to create streamside woods that merged into surrounding vegetation. At the same time, revetments and riverbed enhancements were built at places with huge rocks distribution and rock ledge exposure. Facilities and behaviors that posed hindrances or damages to biological survival and procreations were limited. Regarding Nanzaigou Check Dam, Water Discharge, and Groundsill Engineering Project, it endeavored to avoid the areas with the distribution of valuable animals and plants. With river bio-diversity design, small water catchment areas were treated as units. Integrating all natural factors, it was successful to create features for the habitats for indicating animals, such as Zacco barbata, Macrobrachium nipponense de Haan, and more. In addition, microhabitats for indicating animals were well designed. It was able to assure the continuity of the natural environment in the upper-stream, middle-stream, and lower-stream and egg-laying zones were conserved. It also created a good easy accessible water zone and an ideal classroom of nature where people can move freely, walk around, have fun with water, receive environment education, and observe nature. In addition, in the aspect of water purification, this project has accomplished significantly. Affected by different phases of construction project, there were slightly high performances in the items of ammonia, nitrogen, and more in phase 2 of the project. However, it was reduced significantly in phase 3 and phase 4 of it. It indicates that in addition to the effects brought by the cleaning effects of water plants on the ecological islands, due to the impacts of the construction project, there were slightly higher performances of suspended solids, about 37.1-274.0(mg L-1), at testing points C, D, and E in phase 2 and phase 3 of the project. As to the testing point E, it was an agricultural retaining dam. During the construction, it gathered high-turbidity discharged water. Therefore, in phase 2 and phase 3 of the project, its average suspended solid performances were 274.0(mg L-1) and 120.2(mg L-1). At the testing point F at the outlet, it was reduced to the average of 5.5(mg L-1) in phase 4 of the project, It indicated that the flood detention pools, continuous sloping drop structures, construction of shallow beaches and deep ponds at testing points B, C, and D functioned to clear up suspended solids. It was successful in creating a model zone for river environment education and habitat. It assured the interrelations between people and rivers by merging the project into the environmental education at local elementary schools and high schools.
5. References
1. Northern Region Water Resources Office, Water Resource Agency, “Major Construction Project in Water Catchment Areas and Water Map of Reference Points” http://www.wranb.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=3296&ctNode=859&mp=5 嚗?016.5.20.
2. Northern Region Water Resources Office, Water Resource Agency, “Nanzaigou Regulation Project,” http://www.wranb.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=3285&CtNode=856&mp=5 嚗?016.5.20.
3. Geography Information Center, Water Resource Agency, http://gic.wra.gov.tw/gic/GIS/JS/MainJs.aspx 嚗?016.
4. Water Resources Office, Water Resource Agency, “A Report on the Water Catchment Area of Shimen Reservoir - Nanzaigou Stream Regulation Project and Ecological Environment Monitoring Project 2003-2008,” http://www.wranb.gov.tw/public/Data/942710394971.pdf嚗?016.5.20.
5.CTNews, “Restoring Nanzaigou Stream and Transform it into an Ecology Classroom,” http://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20130917000578-260107 嚗?016.5.20.
6. Chu Ta-Jen, Chen Hung-Cheng, Kuo Yi-Yu, Cheng An-Sheng, Fang Wei-Ta and Shih Chun-Han, “The Weight Estimation Approach of Stream Integrity Assessment Model in Terms of Eco-environmental Aspects: A Case Study of Natural Tourism Site at Shihmen Reservoir,” Journal of Geographical Science, Vol. 55, p. 65-96.
Fazi River belongs to Wu River system. Its upper-stream originates at convergence of Shisanliao Drainage System and Daya Drainage System. The river system mainly flows from the north to the south, and converge into Wu River at Wuri HSR Station. Fazi River is an urban river. In the highly developed urban district, the riverbanks have become major habitats for local animals and plants. Along the rivers, there are many riffles, guild, run, and other conditions. With good ecological condition and prolific resources, it can provide diverse living spaces for fishes and water plants.
Water Resource Agency has been endeavored in the regulation of Fazi River. In addition to the priority of reducing flood, considering the ecological features and the environment of habitats, an ecological and living space is also constructed. At the same time, the goal of building a leisure and recreational space for people is also considered. WRA works to transform the watercourse into a natural river corridor by integrating riverbanks, landscapes, and greenbelts in Taichung City areas.
In the early stage of the restoration project design, in addition to the conducting of many field trips, aerial photography of river conditions was also taken. NGO group meetings and briefing in local communities were held to exchange ideas. With diverse discussions and communications, opinions and demands from various sectors were taken into consideration for the references of the detailed design and engineering project.
The river sections of the restoration project mainly located at Xinsheng Village and Wenshan Village of Nantun District, Taichung City. The scope of the restoration project covered Wuquan West Road Interchange Bridge at the upper-stream and Fazi Bridge at Yongchun East Road at the lower-stream. The salient landmark was “Taichung Fish Mart,” whose approximate coordinate was TWD97 system X: 211443 & Y: 2671111. The location of the restored section of the river is illustrated in Fig. 1.
Fig. 1 Locations along the watercourse in Restoration Project of Section 2, Xinsheng Embankment, Fazi River
In this restoration project, the restoration work was conducted with the implementation of “Environment Rehabilitation Project of Section 2, Xinsheng Embankment, Fazi River” sponsored by the Third River Management Office, Water Resource Administration and contracted by De Kai Construction Co. Ltd. The contents of the project included environmental rehabilitation of current embankments of about 639 meters, riprap revetment of about 529 meters, and ecological habitats at embankments construction. The project is illustrated in Fig. 2. The total construction fees were NT$ 23 million. Commenced on January 14, 2016, it was projected to complete on July 11.
Fig. 2 Layout of Environment Rehabilitation Project of Section 2, Xinsheng Embankment, Fazi River
The concept for overall river rehabilitation at the right bank, it mainly adopted the idea of low impact development with the design ideas of providing diverse habitat environment for animals and plants. Embankments were built on the left bank as human activities zones (such as Taichung Fish Mart, and more) and streams were used as buffer belts to provide leisure and recreational spaces for people. During the progress of the conditions of the rehabilitation project are shown in Photo 1-4. About the accomplishments of the rehabilitation project, photos will be taken in the future as follow-up and observation.
Photo 1 Aerial photo taken over the highway from the bridge to the lower stream. On the right, it is the high speed rail. On the left, it is Taichung Fish Mart. At the upper middle, it is Xianshang Road Bridge
Photo 2 Xiangshang Road Bridge – the upper-stream section. On the top, it is the high speed rail and at the bottom, it is Xinsheng Embankment 2
Photo 3 Xianshang Road Bridge – High riverbank at the lower-stream. On the top, it is the high speed rail
Photo 4 Yongchun East Road (Fazi River Bridge) – upper-stream; on the lower right, Xinzhuangzi Drainage System runs into Fazi River
1.2.
3.4.
On the right bank of Fazi River – the conditions before and after the rehabilitation at the lower-stream of Xianshang Road Bridge (Fig. 2 Point A)
Fig. 3 Originally, it was used for field purposes. In this project, the ridge was retained and widened and thickened. The field was sunken down for 0.5m. In the future, water will be introduced to irrigate the fields to constitute a wetland ecological space. The discard soil in the construction project will be filled in the middle to form an island. Water plants and native trees will be grown on the island zones, field zones, and ridge zones.
1. 2.
3. Fig. 4 The conditions of flood prevention dikes before and after the rehabilitation project on the right bank of Yongchun East Road, at the upper-stream of Fazi River Bridge (Fig. 2 Point B).
The flood prevention dikes in this project were moved to another dike ground at the lower-stream. Parts of the areas with falling height were regulated. In the future, vegetation and hydro-seeding grass will be grown.
1. 2.
3. 4.
The conditions before and after the rehabilitation project on the left bank of Fazi River from the embankment top to the lower-stream (Fig. 2 Point C)
At present ( 2016), the restoration project is still in progress. After completion, the contracted company will provide 2-year warranty. Future maintenance will be responsible by the same company through open annual contract. At the same time, volunteers and local groups (village office, NGO, and more will be summoned to adopt certain section for further maintenance. As to the concept of long-term maintenances, it will be decided depending on the conditions of the vegetation on the right bank and the consensus with local groups. Applications will be opened for the construction of environmental education space. It will also cooperate with the urban renewal plan of Taichung City Government to construct a huge green zone.
Sources:
1. Basic Regulation Plan for Fazi River, a Tributary of Wu River System (1st Revision) Water Resource Agency, MEOA, April 2005.
2. “Overall Drainage Plan for the Lower-Stream of Tunghai Bridge on Fazi River,” The Third River Office, WRA, December 2010.
3. “Ecological Monitoring Plan on Fazi River (2/2), The Third River Office, WRA, December 2009.
Regulation and Restoration Project for Beishi River 1 was located in Pinglin District, New Taipei City. Due to a prolonged period of erosion by heavy rain to that river course, the riverbed was seriously scoured. This regulation and restoration project was implemented to ensure the improvement of environmental conservation, water source maintenance, and water cleanliness. The construction project was launched in different zones, including “junction outlet construction zone” and “Jingualiao construction zone.” It major target functions are to protect the flood capacity in that zone, prevent debris erosion of embankment, and increase habitats for fishes, purification of discharged water. These goals were achieved with the implementation of river regulation, riprap revetment, and ecological purification zone.
The river course in this restoration project was located at the junction of Beishi River and Daiyujue creek at the upper-stream of Xindian River. The obvious landmark was Pinglin Sewage Treatment Plant. Being a Tamsui water river system, its distribution is shown in Fig. 1. The regulation and restoration project was “Regulation and Restoration Project for Beishi River 1,” at the expenditure of about NT$8.28 million. The contents of this project included 1 river regulation facility, 1 ground sill, a ground sill cluster, 320m of low-water revetment, 1 ecological pond, 1 bio-retention cell, 1 ecological purification pond, and 158m2 of slope side greenbelt vegetation. The construction project was implemented from May 12, 2014 to September 3 in the same year.
Fig. 1 The distribution of Regulation and Restoration Project for Beishi River 1
The contents of the regulation and restoration project were explained above. In Fig. 2, the distribution of the construction zones at the junction of the rivers is illustrated. The measures and concepts of the regulation, restoration, and environmental protection are as follows:
1. Full utilization of the damaged armor blocks to reduce the use of cement. Install ground sill clusters (Fig. 2) and river regulation facility (Fig. 3) to maintain basic river flow and reduce riverbed elevation gap to enable fish migration. Fish shelters were built with the existing materials in the river regulation facility to create a living space for biodiversity. Create a dual-purpose technology to stabilize the riverbed and restore the ecology.
2. Use stones found at sites as materials for building revetment to provide roughened and mild-slope environment to create a friendly ecological corridor, as shown in Fig. 8.
3. Cultivate waterside green belt vegetation to construct a safe and sustaining riverside environment to enable the integration of green belt and blue belt for the enrichment of the environment and ecology, as shown in Fig. 9.
4. Use vegetation and existing gravels, and cultivate green belts to construct a natural water purification system (Fig. 6) to reduce the nutrition source of the small sewage processing plants of Taipei Water Management Office, WRA to achieve the goal of promoting river water quality. Integrating with the contents of environmental education, it can become a natural classroom for environmental education.
5. Emphasize maintenance of habitats’ environment. The “Beishi River Ecological Investigation and Monitoring Plan” was implanted in a separate project to investigate and monitor the waters in the construction zone before, during, and after the implementation of the plan. The impacts of the plan were updated instantly during the construction process in accordance with the data of investigations and monitoring to adjust the contractors’ construction process and promote contamination prevention and ecological precautions. By doing so, it could reduce the impacts on the ecology by the construction project.
During the restoration period, floods were encountered. During the construction in the waters in the construction zone, the water volume exerted significant impacts on the progress. After each downpour, constructors needed to wait for the lowering of the water level to resume the regulation of the construction zone for the continuing of the project. Therefore, the factories adjusted the construction procedures depending on the weather and increase labor power and machines to keep up with the schedule to ensure each session to be completed before the next downpour.
Considering the fact that there were steep pools nearby, the construction should avoid affecting the water quality of the river with high turbidity water sources and promote the ecological environment of these steep ponds. Therefore, professional institutions were entrusted to investigate and monitor the river environment before, during, and after the construction. Results of the investigations and monitoring were feedback instantly for the reference of the construction units. The contractors should install temporary precipitation facilities, conduct groundsill construction in sections, use on-site sediments to precipitate muddy water, and use soil on beaches to filter the water to minimize its impacts on river ecology.
Fig. 2 Regulation and Restoration Project for Beishi River 1 – Distribution of Construction Sites at the River Junctions
Fig. 3 Regulation and Restoration Project for Beishi River 1 – Distribution of Jingualiao Construction Zone
Fig. 4 Distribution of groundsill works and vein regulation works
Fig. 5 Cross-section of groundsill clusters
Fig. 6 Cross-section of ecological pond and bio-retention cell
Fig. 7 Layout of ecological purification zone
Photos before and after the implementation of regulation and restoration project. Please consult Fig. 8 – Fig. 11
Before the improvement of groundsill works at the upper-stream junction
• After the improvement of ground sill works at the upper-stream junction
•
Fig. 8 Environmental conditions before and after improvement of ground sill works and the regulation improvement project
• Before the improvement of rockery revetment at the junction construction zone
• After the improvement of rockery revetment at the junction construction zone
Fig. 9 The environmental conditions before and after the improvement of rockery revetment at the junction construction zone
• Before the improvement of slope-side green belt
• After the improvement of slope-side green belt
??Fig. 10 The environmental conditions before and after the improvement of slope-side green belt at Jingualiao construction zone
• Before the improvement of bio-retention cell
• Before the improvement of bio-retention cell
??Fig. 11 The environmental conditions before and after the improvement of bio-retention cell at Jingualiao construction zone
??Comparing the accomplishments of environmental conditions before and after the regulation and restoration of the river course, it is discovered that existing materials from the rivers in the construction sites were used to reduce the use of concrete armor blocks. With the growing of vegetation, the use of rocks and shingles, and the installation of green belts, it accomplished the natural water purification results. It was corresponding to the reduction of 168 tons of carbon emission, achieving significant energy saving and reducing carbon emission effects. In addition, after the completion of weir clusters and regulation works, it helped reduce riverbed scouring as well as maintain basic flow capacity of the river. Reducing the riverbed elevation gaps, fish migration in the rivers was restored as indicated by underwater photographs. At the same time, birds are attracted to find food there, accomplishing the goal of sustaining ecological environment.
Sources:
?1. “Beishi River Ecological Investigation and Monitoring Plan 2014,” Taipei Water Management Office, WRA, MOEA, 2014
?2.Taipei Water Management Office, WRA, MOEA, 2016
In addition to keeping people from their fears, the first task of the administration and strategy from the government is to let people live and work in peace and contentment, and what the WRA does is just this task. In addition to protecting people’s lives and properties and keeping them from the threat of floods, the WRA further provides an excellent environment of water loving, water using, and water activities.
In order to prevent floods, river improvement in the early days was to build massive concrete embankments which reached the current scale of preventing flooding of the river. In recent years, the thought of flood prevention and harnessing rivers, which is compared to building massive embankments in the early days, has been changing because of the differences of the historical background and idea. A flood is no longer deemed a beast constricted in the river channel instead of constructing a detention basin with the functions of flood protection and recreation and massively reducing embankment projects, which are measures for the maintenance management to assist in flood protection. Dredging projects have been carried out in the rivers within the jurisdictions section by section and year by year to reduce the water level of the river and to help drain off flooding.
In addition, in order to cope with the enhancement of people’s quality of life, the function of the embankment includes the environmental view and recreation in addition to flood prevention. You can see the sides of several flood protection roads are evergreen like green tunnels. Take the Puzih River as an example, crowds of tourists are attracted to stop to have a good look by melia azedaraches by the embankment in the north of Puzih River, Golden Trumpet Trees by the embankment in Guogou, and Jacaranda by the embankment in Lucuo.
A river is no longer just the one in the past, but it has been one part of our city and life. In addition to shouldering the task of flood prevention and harnessing the river, the environment construction is an indispensable great responsibility for the WRA. In order to cope with the coming of the new age, we, the people of the WRA, need to prepare everything ASAP to create a more excellent water environment.