BL District Council The Orisbach in Liestal is being prepared for flood protection

On Thursday, the Basel district council unanimously approved CHF 2.2 million for flood protection on the Orisbach in Liestal. The aim is to prevent flooding such as that which occurred in 2016.

The course of the stream is heavily canalized before it flows into the Ergolz, which considerably restricts its flow capacity in some places. As a result, the entire avenue below the government building was flooded in 2016.

The aim of the structural measures is to protect the properties along the stream from the effects of flooding. In addition, the Orisbach is to be ecologically upgraded, as stated in the government's proposal. This includes the restoration of a gravel bed, a flatter embankment with near-natural bank vegetation and the creation of fish passability.

Felling of the Götterbaum not yet sealed

Construction work is scheduled to begin in 2025. The actual costs amount to 3.4 million francs. Thanks to contributions from the federal government and local residents, net costs of CHF 2.2 million remain for the canton.

The expenditure for flood protection was undisputed in the cantonal council. The only point of discussion in the preliminary committee was that the striking tree of the gods near the Farnsburg restaurant will probably have to be felled for this project. However, according to the authorities, it will only be felled if it is unavoidable, as stated in the committee report.