Political aspects of the closure of the Eastern Scheldt estuary

Abstract

A chronological survey is given of the discussions about the aspects of the closure of the Eastern Scheldt, an estuary in the SW Netherlands (Delta Area). Delta Plans were made already before World War II. After the Disaster of 1953 the main objective was to obtain a sufficient safeguard against superfloods. The ecological losses in the Delta Area were not yet recognized. Due to the activities of action groups this aspect was put into the interest of political parties. In 1973 a special commission investigated the possibilities of a synthesis between ecology and land protection. The commission proposed to maintain a reduced tidal range in the Eastern Scheldt by means of a storm-surge barrier. In Government and Parliament this proposal was evaluated, adapted and finally accepted. Dike-raising, according to the pressure groups the most simple and cheapest way to get the necessary protection, was definitely rejected. The most important consequence of these decisions was the extra costs of 2000 million guilders. Up till now discussions are focussed on the most acceptable tidal reduction. The Parliament accepted because of financial reasons 25% reduction. The action groups advocate at most 10%.