Silting of Haringvliet estuary continues into the future
In February, a comprehensive study of the siltation of the coastal area at the mouth of the Haringvliet began. The first results were presented today to concerned organizations and entrepreneurs at a well-attended meeting. The research shows that large-scale silting of the area is indeed continuing and the main cause is the closure of the Haringvliet. The results also tell more about the possible consequences for recreation, shipping, water safety and nature.
Since 1950 there have been major interventions in this area, dramatically changing the sea and coastal bottom. Already, beachgoers can walk far into the sea before they are waist-deep in water. This silting up of the coast has effects on recreation, water safety, fishing, shipping and nature in the area. Therefore, a coalition of 12 parties commissioned research firm Arcadis to study the autonomous development, or future trend of silting, and the effects of that trend. The initial results of this study were presented on July 6 and discussed with stakeholders in the area such as representatives of fishing, recreational boating, business owners, governments and nature organizations.
Research results
Initial research results indicate that large-scale silting of the area will indeed continue and the main cause is the closure of the Haringvliet estuary. Another major intervention in the area, the construction of the Second Maasvlakte has not had a major impact on the silting of the Haringvliet estuary. The Second Maasvlakte did have some local influence on how sand is moved at the Slikken van Voorne.
Marine and coastal soil and water safety implications.
The study further shows that a large beach flat is likely to form near Green Point. The sand flats will become attached to the current beach. There is a small chance that a gully will be created in the sea in front of the Green Point. A narrower beach could then form there, which will affect the flood barrier. The coast of Goeree-Overflakkee will also continue to grow. Although in some places there may actually be a narrowing of the wide beach. This may be a result of the widening of bends in the Slijkgat.
Impacts recreation, navigation and nature
Silting will reduce opportunities for beach and water tourism near the coast of Voorne and increase opportunities for nature recreation. The efforts and costs to keep the Slijkgat open are expected to increase further due to silting. The effects of silting on shipping including commercial, fishing and recreational boating are limited by keeping the Slijkgat open.
Silting also affects nature. Dunes and sandbanks will continue to grow and the area of open water will decrease. This has consequences for the natural values of the protected natural areas. In the Voordelta, for example, additional opportunities may arise for coastal breeding birds.
Continued research
With the initial results of the study, the follow-up research can be started. The results of the stakeholder meeting will be included in this. During the final part of the research, possible future perspectives will be worked out. Based on the final results of the entire study that will be completed in December of this year, the coalition parties will decide on a follow-up course.
Conducting research
The study is being conducted by agency Arcadis on behalf of a coalition of twelve parties: the province of South Holland, the municipalities of Voorne aan Zee, Goeree-Overflakkee, Nissewaard and water board Hollandse Delta, Rijkswaterstaat, Port of Rotterdam, Natuurmonumenten, Zuid-Hollands Landschap and Recreatieschap Voorne-Putten.