Neder-Betuwe Dike Project Underway

Royal HaskoningDHV is partnering with the Waterschap Rivierenland to deliver dike reinforcements and protect local homes and businesses in Neder-Betuwe.

As river levels are predicted to rise in the long-term in the Netherlands, the Waterschap Rivierenland is working on dike reinforcement and reducing flood risk.

Royal HaskoningDHV will combine the online information the Water Authority has gathered and with its digital Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to create an overall picture of the impact on the area.

Reinforcement of the 20-kilometer Neder-Betuwe dike is part of the national Flood Protection Program introduced after reports found nearly half of the Netherlands’ primary flood protection structures need reinforcement to meet new standards. Failure of the Tiel-Wolferen dike could lead to half of the eastern Betuwe region flooding.

Huub Verlouw, project manager at the water authority, Waterschap Rivierenland, expressed his confidence in the success of the program: “The team from Royal HaskoningDHV and Waterschap Rivierenland comprise professionals with a wide knowledge of the environment and a rich history of the area. They are also leading experts in dike reinforcement who will work together on this important job.”

Royal HaskoningDHV Project manager, Gert-Jan Meulepas, said: “Choosing the correct approach is vital as we will be working in an area that supports many people. We will work together with the client and local stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to make the flood plain area safer.”

Waterschap Rivierenland has created an interactive website where interested parties can find a wealth of information on the project, give their opinion and make suggestions going forward.

Gert-Jan Meulepas commented: “My team will make great use of the information gathered online by Waterschap Rivierenland and will combine it with our digital Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The impact assessment includes visualization, 360-degree images and animation.”

“This offers an overall picture of the impact on the environment and through layering residents can focus on their immediate surroundings to see how they are directly affected with the possible solutions which can be put in place. Online tools are important for engaging with target groups, particularly younger groups. We will also use 3D design to demonstrate the range of solutions available,” added Gert-Jan Meulepas.

The approach will be finalized by the end of 2018.

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