A possible rock slide from Brienz slip could endanger larger areas than previously assumed. Based on an analysis in connection with possible secondary processes, the municipality of Albula/Alvra is issuing a new planning zone for parts of Vazerol, Surava and Tiefencastel. The project for a possible relocation of Brienz/Brinzauls is also affected by the new findings: Vazerol is therefore out of the question as a resettlement location.
The municipality of Albula/Alvra is issuing a new planning zone for parts of its Vazerol, Surava and Tiefencastel factions. From now on and until April 24, 2022, only construction projects may be approved there which do not contradict the planned protective measures against Brienz slip.
The two existing planning zones remain in force. Recent findings on a possible rock slide suggest that larger areas of the settlement areas of Vazerol, Surava and Tiefencastel would be endangered by a rock slide of several million cubic meters than previously assumed. For example, the shock wave from a major event could endanger properties in the three factions.
A rock slide of several million cubic meters is still considered unlikely. As long as the investigations into the Brienz slide continue and it is unclear what effects a technical renovation, for example through a drainage tunnel, would have, a planning zone will now ensure that only construction projects that comply with the municipality's protective measures are possible.
Relocation project for Brienz/Brinzauls affected
Simultaneously with the adoption of the new planning zone, the municipality of Albula/Alvra has also published the report of the “Settlement Commission” on a possible relocation of the village of Brienz/Brinzauls. The Commission has clarified where in the municipality of Albula/Alvra it would be possible for the locals and second residents of Brienz/Brinzauls to resettle if the village became uninhabitable one day.
To this end, the Commission asked potential victims of a relocation about their needs and wishes. She then studied spatial planning options and legal frameworks and held numerous individual interviews. In this way, she was able to identify areas in the Alvaneu Dorf, Surava, Tiefencastel and Alvaschein factions for possible resettlement.
Two areas were also found in the western part of Vazerol that seemed suitable for resettlement. Although Vazerol would clearly be the most popular location among those affected, the Commission had to restrict as early as last October that Vazerol might not be suitable due to the natural hazards situation. Unfortunately, this assumption has now been confirmed. The newly calculated risk perimeters include the entire Vazerol area.
The Settlement Commission therefore had to decide not to pursue the resettlement areas once planned there.
- The report from the Settlement Commission can be downloaded from the municipality's website
- The planning zone decree is published on the municipality's website
- The perimeter plan for this
Queries
Daniel Albertin, Mayor
daniel.albertin@albula-alvra.ch
+41 81 650 01 38
Christian Gartmann has been Communications and Media Officer for the municipality of Albula/Alvra since 2019 in connection with the Brienz slide.