Closure of the New Waterway
Description
In light of climate developments, the Delta Commissioner has been tasked with developing plans to ensure that the Netherlands remains safe from flooding and has sufficient fresh water this century.
For the Rijnmond-Drechtsteden region, the preferred solution was presented to the government on Budget Day. The core of this solution is based on a permanent deployment of the Maeslantkering in combination with radical raising and strengthening of the dykes. The dike modifications involve an amount of EUR 5.5 billion. In total, this involves an investment of euro 7 - 8 billion.
A number of "Delta engineers" , who were responsible for the design and construction of the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier and the Maeslantkering, among other things, submitted an alternative to the House of Representatives. The core of this alternative is based on east-sited locks in the New Waterway. High water levels on the hinterland basin are greatly reduced by draining river discharges into the Eastern Scheldt combined with the deployment of pumping stations. Drastic dyke modifications are thus avoided. The freshwater situation becomes significantly more robust. This alternative is potentially euro 1 - 2 billion cheaper.
By motion, the House of Representatives asked the minister to elaborate on this plan and present the result to the House by the end of 2015.
18.00-19.00 - Walk-in and drinks
19.00-20.00 - Dinner and coffee
20.00-22.00 - Lecture and discussion
22.00 - progress discussion at the bar
Speaker(s)
Frank Spaargaren
Location
Rotterdam-Kralingen
Organiser
Circle Rotterdam
De Ingenieur about Plan Spaargaren
Article about Ir. Frank Spaargaren