Environmental consideration in a coastal engineering project the Delta Project in the south-western Netherlands

Abstract

In 1958 the Delta Plan was laid down in an Act of Parliament. By changing the attitudes the goals are partly radically changed. The Delta Works will finally (1985) result in an area including almost all kinds of aquatic habitats: fresh-, brackish- and saltwater lakes, some eutrophic and some mesotrophic estuaries, with and without a saline gradient. By segregation of the basins by dams and by integrative possibilities with management tools like sluices, canals and even a storm surge barrier, a scale of management possibilities is realized. Choices have to be prepared and executed. Since 1971 the Delta Project is guided by professional environmentalist, who are fully engaged to the organization. In this paper the first experiences are presented. A problem analysis is given of the environmental problems cohering with the project. It concludes with the main environmental problems in this delta. The research strategy describes that there was no planned research in schemes initially. The research was started based on questions arising from all the schemes and finally from a basin analysis. Then the ordening of question took place by the formulation of research projects, which were ordened to themes. In the advice strategy the technique of advice, policy analysis, is discussed. Then the contents of advices are described. This includes the conclusion of shortage of knowledge about ecological relations, the system approach; the formulation of boundary conditions and peoples interest in functionalities. Management guidelines are derived from the boundary conditions, the reappraisals of functions and the positively evaluated internal processes. The main tasks of environmental guidance are described. At last the basin strategy is described. This part starts with the concept physical planning procedures, the need for special treatments for large basins. The concept management is described, as well as the integration of the management plans and physical planning. This part ends with a few proposals.