​New buffer and purification zone in the Craenevenne in Genk is complete

Fluvius, in collaboration with the city of Genk and with the support of the Flemish Land Agency, has created a new buffer and purification zone in the Craenevenne. The newly established zone is designed to protect the nature reserve from polluted water, drought and flooding.

Clean water for Craenevenne

The Craenevennearea in Bokrijk is a valuable nature reserve home to rare plants and animals that require sufficient and, above all, clean water. Central to the project was therefore the creation of a new buffer and purification zone that collects water, purifies it and allows it to seep more effectively into the soil. Any potentially polluted water can now be retained so that it never enters the vulnerable nature reserve.

Further on in Craenevenne, small dykes and new outflow structures regulate the groundwater level. By draining rainwater more slowly and allowing more of it to infiltrate, the groundwater levelis better regulated. This reduces the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall and helps the natural environment retain water during dry periods.

“With the creation of the buffer zone in Craenevenne, we are taking an important step towards protecting both the Boxbergheide neighbourhood and the surrounding nature reserves. The buffer zone forms a vital link through which Fluvius’s existing and future rainwater systems can find their way to the Zusterkloosterbeek. Thanks to our integrated solution, in which sewerage, water management and nature go hand in hand, the sewers in Boxbergheide will be less prone to flooding, less wastewater will end up in the surrounding nature reserves, and these areas will be better able to withstand prolonged drought.” ​
​Rudy Van Beers, Director of Sewer Network Operations, Fluvius

Press event on the newly constructed cycle path through CraenevenneRibbon-cutting, from left to right: Laura Olaerts, Jo Brouns, Karel Kriekemans, Rudy Van Beers

Minister Jo Brouns answered questions about the projectThe collected rainwater flows slowly towards Bokrijk

New reed beds, small dykes and sensitive natural habitats

The new treatment zone consists of reed beds, an open basin and a meandering canal, which ensure the natural purification of water before it flows into the nature reserve. Small dykes and new outflow structures have also been constructed in the area to regulate the groundwater level and ensure effective management of the water system.

“Craenevenne is a vulnerable nature reserve with plants and animals that depend on clean water and a stable groundwater level. That is why, as part of the Blue Deal, we have invested 750,000 euros in this new buffer and purification zone. By collecting rainwater more effectively, allowing it to infiltrate the soil and draining it off more slowly, we reduce flooding during heavy rainfall and retain water for dry periods. That is the essence of the Blue Deal: making Flanders more resilient to the effects of climate change by turning our soil into a sponge.” ​ ​
​Jo Brouns, Flemish Minister for the Environment

The project also gives nature in the area and the surrounding pond areas a significant boost. For example, a species-rich grassland will develop in Craenevenne, forming a nature corridor between the Wik and the Maten.

Aerial view of Craenevenne with Bokrijk in the backgroundSluice structures ensure controlled drainage and infiltration into the soil

Water is drained slowly so that it can seep into the soilAerial view showing the buffer and treatment basins (right) and the nature reserve (left)

“This project is a fine example of collaboration between the sewerage operator, the Flemish government, the provincial government and us as a city. We are making a separate sewerage system possible in the Boxbergheide neighbourhood, tackling the consequences of climate change and promoting greater biodiversity. Furthermore, as a city, we believe it is important that the area remains accessible to the public. The existing cycle path has therefore been completely renovated and better integrated into the surroundings. Thanks to the works, the route will be safer and more comfortable.” ​
​Karel Kriekemans, Councillor for Public Works, City of Genk

Focus on the visitor experience

The refurbished cycle path is an asset for the neighbourhood and for visitors wishing to explore the Craenevenne. In the coming period, the partners involved will work together to assess what further measures are needed to givethe vulnerable natural environment every opportunity to thrive, whilst also enabling local residents to experience the area. In future, it will probably not be possible for walkers to cross the Craenevenne everywhere. This would be too disruptive for certain vulnerable animal species.

Part of the wider Bokrijk–Kiewit nature restoration project

These works also form part of the wider ‘Bokrijk–Kiewit Nature Restoration’ project, which the Flemish government will be implementing over the coming years. Between now and 2030, we will be creating more space for water in the ponds of Bokrijk and Kiewit, an area in the heart of the ‘Land of 1001 Ponds’: De Wijers. More and cleaner water is needed to enable rare plants and animals to survive and to enhance biodiversity. For example, silt is being removed from the many ponds to improve water quality and increase water storage capacity.

This nature restoration project also focuses on the visitor experience. To this end, the Flemish Land Agency developed the Kiewit estate this year as a gateway to De Wijers. In 2027, nature restoration works will begin at the Kiewit estate, the Wik and Klotbroek.

Eef De Vos

Regionale woordvoerder, Fluvius

• pers@fluvius.be
• 078050027