Niersverband

The Nette Wastewater Treatment Facility, whose technical infrastructure dates back to 1955, had reached its structural and capacity limits despite complying with legal standards. The
Niersverband’s plan to transform the plant into one of the most modern in Germany, including a fourth treatment stage to remove microplastics and germs, required an early-stage communication risk assessment. The challenge was to strategically prepare for this large-scale construction project, which would span several years, while the plant remained in operation and within an ecologically sensitive neighborhood adjacent to the Netteseen lakes. Our analysis identified construction site traffic and potential noise emissions in particular as critical factors that provided vulnerabilities for key stakeholders to exploit. The task was to develop a clear narrative for the future of this complex process technology and to minimize reputational risks.

The PR-BERATER developed a communications analysis and, building on that,recommendations for action that consistently prioritize transparency and information. The strategy defined the direct environmental benefits for the region as the central pillar of the argument: Through the targeted presentation of technical facts, it was demonstrated how the new plant protects the Netteseen lakes by nearly completely removing trace substances. To de-escalate anticipated conflicts, the concept recommended a proactive dialogue with local residents, supported by a structured FAQ system and regular operational updates on construction progress. The proposed positioning for the integrated research project (15 million euros in state funding) aimed to solidify the Niersverband’s role as a driver of innovation. By strategically linking security of supply and environmental protection, the foundation was laid to position the modernization not as a construction burden, but as valuable progress for the local quality of life. The recommendations position the Nette wastewater treatment plant as a pioneering flagship project for modern water protection, even during the planning phase.

The renaturation of the Niers River in Mönchengladbach’s Bresgespark was a complex challenge for the Niersverband in terms of communication. The goal was to ecologically restore a 1.1-kilometer-long, channelized section of the river in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive. However, this project came up against strong resistance from critical stakeholders. Emotional debates over the loss of familiar park structures, the removal of a series of ponds, and in particular the necessary clearing of an old poplar grove shaped public perception. There was an acute risk that local protests would undermine acceptance of the entire “Niers Area Master Plan” and permanently damage the association’s reputation. The central task was to avoid the risk of escalation and shift the focus from the landscape interventions to the long-term social benefits.

The PR-BERATER supported the project with a strategy of consistent objectivity. By developing the storyline “Green Floodplain Instead of Concrete,” a narrative was established that focused on ecological restoration and urban safety. Close monitoring made it possible to proactively address stakeholders’ emotional reservations. In this context, the felling of poplars at risk of windbreak was communicated as a necessary step toward developing a climate-resilient floodplain forest typical of the site. A transparent construction log and targeted on-site public information served as
de-escalation tools to help the public objectively understand the construction-related restrictions. The success of the communication strategy was confirmed after completion in April 2024, which extended the river’s course by 3.7 kilometers. The decisive test came in September 2025: An extreme heavy rainfall event flooded the newly created retention areas, which absorbed hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of water, thereby effectively preventing flooding of the Mönchengladbach urban area. This real-world proof of the system’s protective function finally transformed the initial criticism into widespread acceptance. Today, Bresgespark serves as a future-proof flagship project for urban climate resilience, combining ecological diversity with resilient flood protection.