1. What does the revitalisation of water bodies mean? 
rehabilitation: means the re-establishment by means of civil engineering of the natural functions of channelled, straightened, covered or culverted surface waters. Federal Act on the Protection of Waters (Art. 4)  

2. What specific measures are being implemented? 
New meanders, shallow and steep bank zones, riverbank vegetation and reed meadows will be created. In addition, new paths will be created on both sides of the Glatt. 

3. Will the restoration also improve flood protection? 
The enlarged river area and locally raised banks increase the protection of neighbouring areas 
against flooding. By creating natural floodplain landscapes, the river can also better absorb flood waves. Both contribute to improved flood protection. 

4. Why is the Glatt between Opfikon and Rümlang being revitalised? 
Zurich Airport Ltd. is required to implement ecological compensation measures to compensate for the habitats worthy of protection that are affected by its construction projects. The Glatt revitalisation project is being accomplished in the immediate vicinity of the airport and will therefore also compensate for ecological deficits on site. 

5. Is this project linked to the planned runway extension? 
No, the Glatt revitalisation in the Tolwäng to Fromatt area is not a compensation measure for the runway extension. 

6. How do the neighbouring communities and towns benefit from this project? 
The restoration of the Glatt creates diverse and ecologically valuable habitats in and around the water and at the same time reduces the risk of flooding. In addition, the recreational offer will be expanded.   

7. How will agriculture be affected by the measures? 
The revitalisation project requires the use of agricultural land. The soil removed from this land shall be repurposed to improve crop rotation areas in the Furttal valley. 

8. Why are trees being cleared as part of the project?
Felling and clearing work is necessary to prepare the area for the construction work on the new Glatt course, the reed meadows and paths. Some of the branches, trunks and rootstocks will ultimately be used to structure the new course of the Glatt. The cleared areas will be re-vegetated with native plant species later on in the project. 
 
9. How are the surrounding communities and towns be affected by the construction work?
The construction can cause some noise, road closures and diversions for pedestrians and cyclists. There can also be restrictions on fishing and hunting. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to use the online mailbox: glatt@zurich-airport.com. You can find the latest information on the project website www.flughafen-zuerich.ch/glatt.

10. When is the project scheduled for completion?
Completion of the first construction phase in the Eichhof area is scheduled for the end of 2026. The project will then be paused until further notice. Zurich Airport Ltd. will decide on the next phases of the project once there is a clear legal framework for dealing with PFAS-contaminated soil.