24.09.2025, Germany, Dortmund / Castrop-Rauxel, North Rhine-Westphalia - River renaturation, renaturation of the Emscher, HRB Mengede flood retention basin. A new floodplain landscape is being created at the Emscher-Auen farm, expanding the area for flood protection during heavy rainfall and for biodiversity. The previously straightened Emscher is regaining its curves and can meander through its new floodplain. Following the construction of a parallel sewer, the Emscher has been completely free of sewage since 2022. The river was previously an open, above-ground combined sewer carrying both rainwater and sewage. 00X250924D010CAROEX.JPG [MODEL RELEASE: NO, PROPERTY RELEASE: NO (c) caro images / Oberhaeuser, http://www.caro-images.com, [email protected] - In case of using the picture for any purpose, please contact the agency - the picture is subject to royalty!]