Joop Atsma, the State Secretary for Infrastructure and the Environment, wishes to examine whether there are more locations along the Dutch coast where greater safety and new land can be created using the Sand Motor technology.
He expressed this desire today at the handover of the new peninsula between Kijkduin and Ter Heijde. ‘‘ This technology offers huge opportunities. We have created a piece of land in four months that not only provides greater safety along the coast, it offers, moreover, additional space for recreation and nature.” The work has now been completed and from today this Zuid Holland peninsula will be open to the public. Atsma is convinced that the Sand Motor concept can also be used abroad. ‘‘ The Netherlands has a new export article. This is where a small country can play a significant role .”
Van Oord and Boskalis have delivered an innovative project. In total 1.5 million cubic metres of sand were deposited between Ter Heijde and Kijkduin. Wind, waves and currents have all helped to spread this sand along the Delfland coast. The coastline expands in a natural manner, which makes the coast safer while creating a new nature area. Furthermore, the application of the Sand Motor means that it will no longer be necessary to spray sand on this part of the coast every five years.
This will reduce costs and have fewer adverse effects on the sea bed. The natural developments will be monitored closely during the first ten years. For instance, it was already clear in late October that the tip of the Sand Motor is extending towards the coast faster than expected. The Sand Motor comprises 128 hectares. The width on the beach is approximately 2 kilometres. The peninsula protrudes approximately 1 kilometre into the sea. After 10 to 20 years, the peninsula is expected to result in 35 hectares of new beach and dunes.
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Dredging Today Staff, November 28, 2011; Image: dutchwatersector