The Syndicat Mixte du Bassin Versant de l'Agly (SMBVA) has initiated restoration work on an 8-hectare site in Estagel, located near the confluence of the Agly and Maury rivers. This former aggregate extraction site, disconnected from the river by embankments, is intended to become a flood expansion area. The removal of these structures will help better channel Agly overflows on the left bank, slow down flows during floods near the village, and reconnect wetlands to the river.
Seventy years ago, this area was a major site for the lateral movement of the Agly riverbed. Today, this mobility is restricted by embankments parallel and perpendicular to the watercourse, created during the gravel pit's operation to prevent flooding of the exploitation zone. As these structures were not removed after the operation ceased, they have ended up containing the natural flow of the Agly.
Following preliminary studies, land acquisitions, and regulatory procedures, the first phase of work began in September 2025. Three embankments have been removed, a breach has been created in the main embankment along the river, and the invasive Giant Reed (Cannes de Provence) has been treated. Extracted materials, totaling 2500 m3, were reinjected into the Agly downstream of the town. The cost of this first phase is nearly €90,000 HT. The overall project, including studies, acquisitions, and works, is estimated at €250,000 HT.
Floods occurring in late 2025 and early 2026 have already demonstrated the effectiveness of the interventions, with the site being inundated several times. The second phase of work, scheduled for next autumn, will finalize the operation. It will include the creation of additional breaches in the main embankment, the development of channels to facilitate flooding during low-intensity floods, and the management of degraded vegetation, particularly a poplar grove.
This project is supported by the Agence de l'eau RMC, the Occitanie Region, and the Department of Pyrénées-Orientales.
