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Scientific design strategy for promoting sustainable sediment management: the case of the Magra River (Central‐Northern Italy)

2009; Wiley; Volume: 25; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/rra.1243

1535-1467

Massimo Rinaldi, Cristina Simoncini, Hervé Piégay,

Hydrology and Watershed Management Studies

Abstract The Magra River (Central‐Northern Italy) and its main tributary, the Vara River, have been heavily affected by sediment mining and other human disturbances that have caused channel incision and a series of associated negative environmental effects. As a consequence, the Basin Authority of Magra River has recently implemented a new river management policy based on an understanding and analysis of geomorphic processes. This paper describes and illustrates a methodology that defines a scientifically‐based strategy for promoting future sustainable management of sediment and channel processes within this catchment. The methodology is based on a diagnosis which incorporates retrospective analyses of channel geometry, causes of changes and hydraulic sediment budgets to evaluate potential sediment transport. All these data are summarized using a multi‐criteria approach to develop an overall design strategy for medium‐term (i.e. some decades) bed sediment management. A practical methodology to identify potential sources of sediment at the catchment scale and to promote sediment delivery is also described. Finally, a ‘map of strategies for sediment management’ is presented, which synthesises all the aspects studied (morphological evolution, sediment budgets and considerations of potential sediment recharge). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.