Cimenteries CBR s.a. - HeidelbergCement

Objective

The ambitious rehabilitation applied here aims at reconstructing areas similar to those of the neighbouring Natura 2000 zones.

The partial restoration of the original relief and the pre-existing ecological lawns of interest, as well as at the creation of natural banks by the excavated pond to increase facilities for the aquatic fauna (dragonflies, amphibians, aquatic birds, diving beetles,...).

Context

The quarry is situated between two Natura 2000 areas of high biological interest.

This area shelters a very wide variety of botanical and animal species, among which many are uncommon, and even extremely rare in the Walloon Region.

Solution

A total of 7 974 000 m3 of ground will be moved at the end to raise up to 18 meters high on a 43 ha 30 area, modeling the future "new Thier de Loën". The new superficial layer will have a minimal thickness of 50 cms.

The vegetation and fauna encouraged on these different landscapes frequently need opposite conditions. An ecological study was already realized in 2006 to bring to light the most interesting species and landscapes already present and to ensure their preservation.

Result

A very important population of Natterjack Toads was revealed in the numerous temporary puddles, as well as a small population of Midwife Toads. These two species are some of the most threatened amphibians within the country. The cliffs created by the exploitation could be of interest to the Sand Martins, the Great Duke Owl and for the Hawks. The Kestrel Falcon already nests here and the Pilgrim Falcon has already be seen. The restored wet zones already shelter a dragonfly listed on the red list in Belgium.

A new fauna-flora-landscapes study is already planned to refine the results and to study the evolution of the biotopes on the quarry’s site.

At the end of the exploitation, the quarry will return to the public domain to become a zone of ecological and landscape interest.

Because of its particular geographical situation, between two Natura 2000 perimeters, the quarry will be a key element in the local ecological network. These two remarkable zones will be almost completely reunified by diverse high biological interest areas. The numerous uncommon species encountered in the area will more easily be spread over on a surface of about 977 ha.