Polder de la Moder, Rückhalteraum zum Schutz vor Hochwasser am Oberrhein
Polder de la Moder is a retention basin located in Fort-Louis and Neuhaeusel that occupies the former delta of the Moder river. It can hold up to 5.6 million cubic meters of water and uses a system of dikes and channels to direct flow during flooding events.
The basin began operation in 1992, making it one of France's earliest retention structures of this type. It was built specifically to manage flooding from the Moder river and has served as a key component in the Rhine region's flood control strategy ever since.
The site is normally quiet and open, but becomes a large shallow water zone when the basin is deliberately filled for exercises. During these tests, the area is closed to visitors as staff from Voies Navigables de France checks all systems and procedures.
The basin is deliberately filled on a regular schedule to simulate flooding events and train emergency response teams. These practice runs let managers prepare realistically for actual flood situations and ensure the safety of nearby residents.
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