The SMAGE des 2 Morin syndicate officially inaugurated on Thursday, October 8, the hydromorphological restoration work on the Grand Morin river, located in the Marais hamlet, in the town of Jouy-sur-Morin. This event marks the first inauguration of its kind for the syndicate, which took place on the banks of the Domaine du Grand Morin, opposite the former marshland structure.
Since February 2025, several improvements have been made. The old marsh structure has been removed, allowing free circulation of water, fish, and sediment. The riverbed and banks have been restored over 2,200 linear meters, reconnecting 2.4 km of waterways. An expansion zone for floods of 15,000 m³ and a wetland area have been developed. The project also includes the planting of 3,000 trees and shrubs, as well as helophytes to stabilize the banks. An access for residents, including a canoe ramp and a PMR-accessible pontoon, has been created, along with the rehabilitation of a suction point for firefighters (SDIS).
The initial effects of this work are already evident. During the last water rise, a difference of at least 17 cm was observed in some areas previously flooded, for the same water level recorded at the Meilleray station. These observations were highlighted by Michael Rousseau, President of the SMAGE des 2 Morin and Mayor of Jouy-sur-Morin.
The total cost of the works amounts to €2.01 million including tax. Funding is provided by 90% by the Seine-Normandie Water Agency, 5% by EPTB Seine Grands Lacs, and 5% by the SMAGE des 2 Morin.
Several personalities spoke at the ceremony, including Michael Rousseau, Jean-Baptiste Réveillon (Seine-Normandie Water Agency), Régis Sarazin (Vice-President of Seine Grands Lacs), and Mr. the Sub-Prefect of Meaux. Thanks were extended to the company CDES, the project manager CE3E, the teams of the SMAGE des 2 Morin, the State services and the DDT, the Domaine du Grand Morin for hosting the site, and the residents of Le Marais for their patience during nearly a year of work.
Future projects include interventions in Crécy-la-Chapelle, Coulommiers, Boissy-le-Châtel, La Ferté-Gaucher, and the clearing of the canal bridge in Condé-Sainte-Libiare. A total of €55 million in works is already programmed in the Territorial Contract, with the objective set by the syndicate's President to retain one million m³ of water in the valley.
