The project aims to strengthen protection in the area against torrential rainfall such as that recorded on July 6, 2023, when the overflowing of the barranco de la Muerte caused severe flooding and material damage. The new dams will temporarily retain rainwater and reduce the flows reaching the most vulnerable points in the area, including María Zambrano School, the adjacent shopping area and several roads along the Hispanidad ring road (Z-30), as well as the avenues of the Policía Local and Tiziano.
The project, drawn up by the Spesa Ingeniería consultancy and overseen by municipal services, will be carried out through the municipal company Ecociudad. The approval comes after the document was submitted for public consultation without receiving any objections and after the Ebro River Basin Authority (CHE) gave a positive assessment of the measures proposed to reduce the risk of flooding in the urban area.
A SYSTEM OF STEPPED DAMS TO CURB FLASH FLOODS
The infrastructure will consist of a lower dam and several upper dams arranged in steps, designed to slow the flow of water during periods of intense rainfall. The CHE considers that the project will reduce the risk of flooding at María Zambrano School and in Parque Venecia without causing any significant new impacts from the retained water.
Zaragoza City Council will have to establish a maintenance and conservation plan once the work is completed. It will also continue studying the behavior of these torrential catchments and the possible installation of rain sensors and early-warning systems to anticipate future extreme weather events. The dams will complement other measures launched after the 2023 floods, such as the Muerte ravine perimeter relief channel, as part of the municipal strategy to strengthen safety in this area of Zaragoza.
