CLEARING RIVERBANKS AND DITCHES, HOW IS IT DONE?

Regulations and laws on clearing riverbanks

In Italy, the clearing of riverbanks is governed by various laws and regulations.

Firstly, Article 18 of Legislative Decree no.152 of 3 April 2006 (‘Environmental Regulations’) requires owners or holders of land bordering watercourses to clear riverbanks and embankments and keep them in good condition so as to avoid any risk of flooding or overflowing.

Furthermore, Article 67 of Legislative Decree no. 50 of 13 April 2017 (‘Code of public contracts relating to works, services and supplies in the field of public procurement’) prescribes that the clearing of riverbanks is included in the ordinary and extraordinary maintenance of hydraulic works.

Lastly, the clearing of riverbanks may also be governed by regional or local regulations, which stipulate the methods and procedures to be followed for the clearing and maintenance of riverbanks.

In general, clearing riverbanks is a very delicate and complex task that requires specific skills and the use of appropriate equipment. It is therefore essential to rely on professionals in the field, such as firms specialised in land and water management.

Techniques and equipment for clearing riverbanks

Various techniques and equipment exist for clearing riverbanks. They can be used depending on the specific needs and characteristics of the watercourse.

Some of the main techniques and equipment used for clearing riverbanks are as follows:

Excavators: excavators are used to remove large amounts of material from riverbanks. They can be fitted with special accessories, such as tongs and cranes for removing logs, stones and other debris.

Sweepers: sweepers are mechanical machines that use rotating brushes to remove leaves and other debris from riverbank surfaces.

Suction units: suction units are machines that use compressed air to lift debris from riverbanks and suck it into an on-board tank. They are particularly useful for removing light debris such as leaves and branches.

Dredgers: dredgers are machines that use a shovel to dig up riverbeds and remove debris and sediment. They can be used to remove large amounts of material from riverbeds, including debris, sediment and rocks.

Trailers: trailers are equipment towed by a vehicle that can be used to transport debris and materials removed from riverbanks.
In addition, manual tools, such as rakes and shovels, can also be used for clearing riverbanks to remove smaller debris or debris that is difficult to reach using mechanical equipment.