A spectacular color but without impact on the environment. This Thursday, March 31, the Syndicat du canal de Berry launched the start of a leak detection operation which will last a fortnight. “Fluo-sensors” have been placed in the counter-ditches of a reach located at Mehun-sur-Yèvre. Then a green, fluorescent dye was injected into the water. If leaks exist, the sensors will detect them when the dye infiltrates, through these leaks, into the counter-pits. “The color is quite impressiverecognizes Véronique Fenoll, the president of the Syndicate. The dye will gradually resorb.”
A reach whose leaks “disturb its water retention”
To carry out this operation, carried out with the University of Orléans and the CEREMA agency in Blois, the Syndicate had to replenish this reach.located between the white bridge and the lock of Reussy.“The leaks it presents “disturb its water retention and the continuity of the canal supply.” It was therefore decided to keep it dry while waiting for solutions. The watertightness test with this dye is a first step before a diagnosis and work.
Samples will be taken throughout the operation. It will then be up to CEREMA to carry out a diagnosis of the origin of the leaks, expected for the month of May, says Véronique Fenoll. “The work estimates will be drawn up in order to enable the Syndicat du canal de Berry to begin their implementation.” 155 fluo-sensors, grouped in clusters of five, were installed in the counter-ditches. Total cost of the operation, diagnosis included: just over 14,000 euros.