Flumet reservoir : Experimental Site for Ecological Sediment Management

WATERTRACKS is proud to have piloted an ambitious experimental project in collaboration with EDF. The aim of this project was to qualify an innovative process of ecological sediment transit through hydroelectric generating units. The test took place on the Flumet dam reservoir, located in Allevard (Isère).

An Ecological Innovation Test

The main objective of this project was to measure the impact of the transit of sediments accumulated in the Flumet reservoir. These sediments, originating in the Maurienne valley, were directed towards the turbines of the Le Cheylas hydroelectric facility. There, they were discharged in an extremely diluted and controlled manner into the Isère, ensuring environmentally-friendly management.

Innovative Measurement and Technology


During the experiment, several state-of-the-art measuring devices were used to assess dredging flow densities and rates. These instruments were housed in a laboratory container specially fitted out on site. Among the equipment installed :

  • A tomographic densimeter supplied by ITS,
  • A sonic density meter from Rhosonics,
  • UFM sonic flowmeter,
  • An electromagnetic flowmeter from Krohne,
  • A Gamma Densimeter from Berthold France.

These devices enabled us to test and optimize sediment management while minimizing environmental impacts.

Successful collaboration

We’d like to extend our warmest thanks to everyone involved in this project for their commitment and transparency throughout. Our partners at EDF’s Centre d’Ingénierie Hydraulique (CIH) trusted us to carry out this experiment. Their expertise and that of DTG (Unité de Mesures et d’Expertise d’EDF) was invaluable, particularly in terms of experience sharing.

Many thanks also to theUnité de Production Hydroélectrique des Alpes and the Groupement d’Usine du Cheylas for their welcome to the Lac du Flumet site and their logistical support. Finally, a special word to our team-mates from Marine Assistance Nouvelloise and Graddredging for the quality and precision of their dredging work.

Le Barrage de Flumet : A Key Structure

The Flumet dam, located in the commune of Allevard (Isère), is a strategic element in the local hydroelectric network. Commissioned in 1980, this earth dam is 16 meters high and 600 meters long. It retains a volume of water of 4,800 thousand m³ over a surface area of 68 hectares. The dam, at an altitude of 501 meters, is an integral part of the region’s hydroelectric production and contributes to the sustainable management of water resources.

Thanks to this experimental project, sediment transit through hydroelectric units has demonstrated its potential in terms of ecological management, offering promising prospects for other similar infrastructures.