Integrated approach essential
Climate-resistant delta region design and structure
Research by Leo Adriaanse (Directorate General of Waterways and Public Works) and Tjeerd Blauw (Province of Zeeland) has revealed that delta areas are often structured from a single perspective—an economic perspective as in New Orleans, or a more protective point of view such as the Dutch delta. And this causes problems. Royal Haskoning has experience with an integrated approach to achieve a climate-resistant design. Parties are being brought together for the purpose and a contribution is also being made to concepts like overflow-resistant dikes that can play a major role in design and restructuring.
Royal Haskoning’s vision is wholly in line with the recommendations of the Veerman Committee. Commissioned by the Dutch government, it is investigating how the country can remain climate-resistant and safe from water. It is also arguing for an integrated approach to (regional) water problems and says that the water problem cannot be viewed in isolation from the approach to the issues of nature, energy supply and urban development.
Close cooperation essential
Process manager Lucie Terwel knows from experience that integrated area development calls for close cooperation among all the parties involved. ‘Adriaanse and Blauw, for example, argue for less drastic interference in the ”bottom layer”. They think that there should be more room for a natural build-up of the delta bottom and that the transitions between salt and fresh water should be less strict. This is worked out in the Perkpolder plan. It has huge implications for the structure of the area. Then aside from the substantive quality of the plan it’s all about linking the parties in order to be able to execute the plan together and tackle the economic malaise.’ ”
Process role
“Integration is also crucial in the Waterdunen project, where reinforcement of the existing coast (safety) is being combined with the development of tidal flora and fauna (ecology) and recreation (economy). Waterdunen is a joint initiative by Molecaten and the Zeeland Landscape Foundation. The Province of Zeeland, Sluis local authority and the Zeeuws-Vlaanderen Water Board are supporting the project. It is the only Zeeland project included in the list of twenty-three Planning Policy Document projects that qualify for an extra government grant. Like the Perkpolder plan, the Waterdunen project should mean a considerable economic boost for Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Royal Haskoning is providing the project leader who will be responsible for completing the Waterdunen project.”
Overflow-resistant dike
The plan for Perkpolder includes an overflow-resistant dike. This was developed in the Comcoast project to which Royal Haskoning made an important contribution. Gert Jan Akkerman was involved in it. ‘With a hinterland that can store the water that has overflowed into an inner dike there is an intervening area. Depending on the extent of the link with the sea, mud flats, shallows and salt marshes can form, and there are opportunities for saline agriculture, recreation and adapted house-building. This benefits both the ecology and the economy. And safety is more effectively safeguarded.’ Now there is also international interest in overflow-resistant dikes. For example, the US Army Corps of Engineers is going to build a huge overflow facility to test the wave overflow near the levees in New Orleans. Royal Haskoning, which is making an important contribution to the strengthening of the levees in New Orleans, will be assisting them in this. Romania and Vietnam have already shown an interest.
Contact: Lucie Terwel
+31 (0)10 4433 841
l.terwel@royalhaskoning.com
