A4 Brochure - Hoogwaterbeschermingsprogramma

Secure levees,
dams and dunes
The Flood Protection Programmes: working
to protect the Netherlands against flooding
Living and working in safety
below sea level
Photo : Tineke Dijkstra
Swimming in the sea, transport over the rivers, clean water from the tap. Dutch people
love water. We’ve been living in close proximity to it for centuries. But with more than
half of our country below sea level, living and working in safety is not something we can
take for granted. That’s why the Netherlands never ceases to work on its flood protection.
Flood Protection Programmes
The Netherlands never ceases to work on its flood protection. In the national Flood
Protection Programmes, the Regional Water Authorities and Rijkswaterstaat (the
Directorate General for Public Works and Water Management), the implementation
agency of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, take action to ensure that
levees, dams and dunes and locks, weirs and pumping stations satisfy the legal safety
requirements. Now, and in the years to come.
2 | Secure levees, dams and dunes
With its North Sea and Wadden Sea coastlines and its great rivers
and lakes, our country is vulnerable to flooding. Without the
levees, dams, dunes and storm surge barriers, almost 60 percent
of the country would be permanently under water or regularly
flooded. Fortunately, we live in the most secure delta in the world.
Regular assessments of flood defences
The Netherlands has 3,767 kilometres of levees, dams and dunes:
the primary defences against flooding. Since 1996, periodic checks
of these levees, dams and dunes have been required by law. We carry
out regular assessments to check whether they still comply with
the current safety standards.
Living in safety in the future
Climate change poses an additional threat. The sea level is expected
to rise. The land in the western part of our country is subsiding and
our weather is set to become more extreme, with more frequent
and longer wet periods. Through programmes such as Room
for the River (Ruimte voor de Rivier), the River Maas project
(Maaswerken) and the second Flood Protection Programme, we are
getting water safety in our delta into good shape in the short term.
In the new, continuing Flood Protection Programme we are
constantly working to ensure safe flood defences. To ensure that
the Netherlands remains a safe, attractive place to live in the future,
with properly organised water safety and fresh water supplies,
we have the Delta Programme. This programme involves central
government, the Regional Water Authorities, the provincial
governments and the municipalities working together to ensure
water safety and adequate fresh water supplies.
Flood defence reinforcements
In both the Flood Protection Programmes the Regional Water
Authorities and Rijkswaterstaat are improving the flood defences
that no longer comply with current standards. This helps protect
the Netherlands against flooding.
Working on water safety
Dutch people live close to water. That’s why we protect our country
against flooding. This means that we will be able to enjoy all the
advantages water gives us in the future too. Living and working
in safety below sea level is not something we can take for granted.
We must keep working to make this possible.
Secure levees, dams and dunes | 3
Rijkswaterstaat and Regional Water Authorities work to ensure safe flood defences
The projects from 2014 till 2020
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Wadden
Sea
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10
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10
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15
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Better protection against high
water
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In the Netherlands we want to be protected against potential flooding from rivers,
lakes, the North Sea and the Wadden Sea, now and in the future. But some primary
flood protection works such as levees, dams and dunes, locks, weirs and pumping
stations no longer satisfy the legal safety standards. Rijkswaterstaat and the Regional
Water Authorities are taking action to improve the safety of these flood defences.
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20
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NORTH SEA
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This forms part of the Flood Protection Programmes: the second
Flood Protection Programme (known as HWBP-2, after the
Dutch name Tweede Hoogwaterbeschermingsprogramma) and
the new, continuing Flood Protection Programme (HWBP).
In these programmes, flood defences that have failed to meet
requirements will be improved and reinforced.
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Second Flood Protection Programme
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HWBP-2 started in 2007 and involves the improvement of flood
defences that failed to meet the required standard in the 2001
and 2006 assessments. In this programme Rijkswaterstaat and
the Regional Water Authorities are working at 88 locations in
the Netherlands on 370 kilometres of levees, dams and dunes and
18 locks, weirs and pumping stations. 84 of the 88 projects are expected to be completed in 2017. Four projects will require more time.
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Waa
l
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5 55
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Weak Links
In 2003 the coastal protection works on the North Sea coast were
evaluated. This examination found that in twenty years these
coast defences would no longer meet the relevant safety standards
at ten locations. These locations, designated as ‘Weak Links’,
have been included in HWBP-2. We are reinforcing these dunes
and levees so that they will be safe for the next 50 years.
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BELGIUM
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Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier
Waterschap Hollandse Delta
Waterschap Rivierenland
Waterschap Scheldestromen
Hoogheemraadschap van Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard
Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland
Wetterskip Fryslân
Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland
Waterschap Vallei & Veluwe
Waterschap Noorderzijlvest
4 | Secure levees, dams and dunes
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Waterschap Aa en Maas
Hoogheemraadschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht
Waterschap Groot Salland
Waterschap Roer en Overmaas
Waterschap Hunze en Aa’s
Waterschap Brabantse Delta
Waterschap Zuiderzeeland
Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden
Waterschap Rijn en IJssel
Rijkswaterstaat
The Delta Programme
The Flood Protection Programmes form part of the
Delta Programme. They are part of the implementation
programme known as the Water Safety Delta Plan.
The Delta Programme is our Delta Plan for the 21st century.
It will ensure that the Netherlands is a safe, attractive place
to live, now and in the future, with properly organised water
safety and fresh water supplies. Central government, the
Regional Water Authorities, the provincial governments and
the municipalities work together in this national
programme. Social organisations, the business community,
citizens and knowledge institutes are actively involved as
well. In 2014 the Delta Programme led to five ‘Delta
Decisions’. They describe our approach in the Netherlands
to water quality, clean water and protection against flooding
and drought. The Flood Protection Programmes work
closely together to take all the assessments and actions
that are required on the short term within the Water Safety
Delta Plan.
New Flood Protection Programme
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GERMANY
The new HWBP is currently focused on the flood defences that
failed to meet requirements in the third assessment in 2011, but it
is an ongoing programme. Within this ongoing part of the Delta
Programme we will continue to work on safe flood defences.
In the coming years our activities will include reinforcing more
than 700 kilometres of levees. This makes it the most extensive
programme involving water. The Dutch government and
the Regional Water Authorities are jointly responsible for the
programme and each contribute 50 percent of its cost.
New approach to safety
The Delta Programme proposes a new approach to water safety.
This focuses not only on how high the water level could rise,
but also on the probability of flooding and the potential
consequences of a flood. Based on this new assessment method,
the Regional Water Authorities and Rijkswaterstaat determine
which projects in the Flood Protection Programme are carried
out first.
Secure levees, dams and dunes | 5
Jeroen Bredewout
Owner of Luctor et Emergo beach restaurant
Reinforcement of Hondsbossche and Pettemer Sea Flood Defence
36 million cubic metres of
sand turn the levee into a safe,
attractive place
“Proper attention was given to the wishes of those
affected. Together with other business people in
the area and Natuurmonumenten (the society for the
preservation of nature, landscape and cultural history in
the Netherlands), I regularly attended meetings with the
provincial government, the Regional Water Authority,
the municipality and Rijkswaterstaat. And not without
result: many of our ideas for landscaping the area
attractively, with scope for recreation and nature, have
been incorporated in the design. Such as the creation of a
lagoon at Camperduin. This is a beach on a salt water lake
with an open connection to the sea, which allows children
to swim and play safely in the water. Our concerns about
drifting sands were also put to rest. High dunes covered
with marram grass mean we won’t be affected by this.”
The reinforcement of the Hondsbossche and Pettemer sea flood defence, one of the
Weak Links, brings safety, opportunities for recreation and space for nature to flourish.
By depositing a huge quantity of sand on the seaward side of this levee, a new line of
defence against the water is created in the form of new dunes and a new beach.
“As contractors, we want stakeholders to respond
positively to the work we’re doing. We create
support by maintaining good contact with residents,
local companies and the municipality. For example,
through walk-in sessions, videos, newsletters
and excursions for schools and retired people.
Our approach works: the majority of stakeholders
view the works we’re carrying out positively. People
are curious. Every day visitors come to watch us
working and take photographs. The site where
we are working has become a tourist attraction.”
Rianne Steggink
Weak Links Coordinator at the Province of Noord-Holland
Anita Willig-Kos
Weak Links project manager at the Hollands
Noorderkwartier Regional Water Authority
“The reinforcement of the coastline with sand
on the seaward side is needed for safety, but it
also provides opportunities for nature and makes
the landscape more attractive. Sand can be used
to create new space for various uses. Such as an
attractive, easily-accessible beach, several look out
points and a six-kilometre cycle route over the new
dunes. In the peaceful central area, nature itself will
be able to flourish. Sand is also an environmentallyfriendly, flexible material. It ensures that the sea
flood defence can easily be adapted to changing
circumstances in the future.”
Niels Hutter
Stakeholder Manager for Van Oord and Boskalis
contracting consortium
Liz van Duin
Director of Network Development at Rijkswaterstaat
“The way Rijkswaterstaat and the Hollands
Noorderkwartier Regional Water Authority are
working together makes this project special. In levee
reinforcement projects of this nature the water
authority is responsible for the safety of flood
defences and we are in charge of maintaining and
managing the coastline. For the reinforcement of this
sea flood defence we have joined together in a single
project team, to make optimum use of each other’s
knowledge and skills. As an example, Rijkswaterstaat
has a great deal of experience of coastal maintenance
using sand suppletion, the process of depositing
sand. The Regional Water Authority, on the other
hand, has detailed knowledge of the area. By working
together, we make use of each other’s strengths.
Which means we achieve much better solutions.”
“The Province of Noord-Holland seized the
opportunity presented by the reinforcement of
the Weak Links to make the coastline even more
attractive in terms of nature and recreation.
Together with the municipalities and nature protection
organisations, we are carrying out 25 projects to
improve spatial quality on the landward side of various
flood defences including the Hondsbossche and
Pettermer sea flood defence. Our activities in these
projects include laying more beach access tracks, cycle
routes and walking paths, developing new wilderness
areas and improving parking facilities. The regional
authorities also intend to submit further spatial quality
initiatives to the provincial government.”
Photo: Alfons Schotvanger
Reinforcement of levee along the Hollandsche IJssel
Getting round the table to find
the most appropriate solution
More than 27 kilometres of the flood defences running along the Hollandsche IJssel need
reinforcement. The steep bank on the inner side of the levee could subside when the
water level in the river is high. In Capelle aan den IJssel the Regional Water Authority, the
municipality and the residents directly affected got together at an early stage to address
this problem. They literally sat down round the kitchen table to look for the best solution
for the reinforcement of the levee.
Two levee sections in Moordrecht and Capelle aan den IJssel will be the
first to be reinforced as part of the new Flood Protection Programme.
“The reason these sections were selected was the impact a flood
would have”, explains Peter van der Veeken, stakeholder manager
at the Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard Regional Water Authority.
“At Moordrecht there are holiday resorts behind the levee and a new
residential development is planned. Capelle aan den IJssel is a densely
populated area with a great deal of economic activity. There’s no
immediate danger of the flood defences being breached, but we do
need to take appropriate action.”
Dialogue at the kitchen table
In Capelle aan den IJssel the Regional Water Authority and the
municipality explained to the residents directly affected at an early
stage that levee reinforcement is needed so that people can live, work
and use the area for recreation in safety. They also discussed possible
solutions and their consequences with residents of the area close to the
levee. Van der Veeken and the municipality’s senior policy advisor on
Town and Country Planning, Rien Engelaar, also visited residents who
would be directly inconvenienced by the works. Sitting at their kitchen
tables, they informed residents about the possible solutions for the
reinforcement of the levee and discussed with residents how they could
keep the obstruction and inconvenience to a minimum. “Naturally
one wants it all to go well, to keep the inconvenience to a minimum”,
explains one of the residents affected. “Those discussions take up quite
a lot of time. But I’m glad to be involved in the plans at an early stage
so I have a chance to voice my views and concerns. Of course, in the end
I do understand that something has to be done about the levee.”
Earth solution chosen
In Capelle aan den IJssel a solution using earth was ultimately chosen.
Extra earth will be placed on the inner side of the levee to make this
section of levee safer. A solution using earth causes less inconvenience
to residents than an option that involves inserting a construction into
the levee. The works will start in 2016 and be completed in 2018.
Joint project with the municipality
Photo: Tineke Dijkstra
From the start the Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard Regional Water
Authority and the Capelle aan den IJssel municipality worked together.
“A very constructive joint project; we are continually sharing the
information available to us”, municipal policy advisor Engelaar
explains. In the joint project the Regional Water Authority contributes
its knowledge of the flood defences, and the municipality’s areas of
expertise include traffic, archaeology, village conservation and the
landscape. Together, the municipality and the Regional Water Authority
keep an eye on residents’ interests. When residents had questions,
views or concerns, this combined expertise turned out to be extremely
valuable. Engelaar: “The municipality and the Regional Water Authority
are able to offer people much better information and assistance when
we work together.”
Secure levees, dams and dunes | 9
Living with the water, now
and in the future
Photo: Tineke Dijkstra
Extra sand, soil or sheet piles for stronger levees, dams and dunes: the Regional
Water Authorities and Rijkswaterstaat are working to ensure secure flood defences
in two Flood Protection Programmes. Making sure that Dutch people can live and
work in safety below sea level. Now and in the years to come.
For anyone looking out across the polder or going for a walk in
the dunes on a sunny day. For anyone sitting in their home
behind a levee, dam or dune when it’s raining or a storm is
raging. For all Dutch people who live and work below sea level.
It’s for these people that the Regional Water Authorities and
Rijkswaterstaat work together, so that we can live safely with the
water. In the second Flood Protection Programme (2007 – 2017)
and the new Flood Protection Programme we will be tackling
more than 1,000 kilometres in the coming years.
10 | Secure levees, dams and dunes
We never cease to work on safety
Even when all those levees, dams and dunes, locks, weirs and
pumping stations are reinforced and safe, the Flood Protection
Programme will keep working on the most secure delta in the
world. Flood defences deteriorate with age. The sea level is
expected to rise and our weather will become more extreme.
Living and working in safety below sea level is not something
we can take for granted. That’s why we never cease to work on
water safety.
More information?
To find out more about the Second Flood Protection Programme see:
www.rws.nl/hwbp
To find out more about the New Flood Protection Programme see:
www.hoogwaterbeschermingsprogramma.nl
To find out more about the Delta Programme see:
www.deltacommissaris.nl/deltaprogramma
Secure levees, dams and dunes | 11
This brochure is published by:
Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment
Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment
PO Box 20901 | 2500 EX | The Hague
The Netherlands
www.government.nl/ministries/ienm
Dutch Water Authorities
PO Box 93218 | 2509 AE | The Hague
The Netherlands
www.uvw.nl
October 2014 | GPo1014sb119
Photo: Paul van Roekel