Rijkswaterstaat wants to allow silt to sediment to improve the ecological quality of the Eems-Dollard. For this purpose, the organization plans to place 5 long wooden dams in the Eems-Dollard within 7 months. The intended location is slightly south of the Punt van Reide. The dams will be positioned perpendicular to the bank and create 4 compartments.

Special Project

What makes the project special is that in the 3 southern compartments a few wooden half-moon structures will be placed. With this pilot, we aim to gain knowledge about new ways of placing wooden dams.

Nature Under Pressure

The ecological water quality of the Eems-Dollard is under pressure. This is due to the large amount of silt which clouds the water. This affects the biodiversity, including the number of fish, birds, and plants. The cloudy water also prevents fish from migrating properly. Furthermore, there are too few suitable habitats for birds, fish, and small bottom-dwelling animals that fit an estuary.

New Habitats

With the help of the Outer Dike Silt Sedimentation, we will investigate over the next 10 years whether it is possible to naturally capture silt (silt sedimentation). The silt that sinks to the bottom can develop into a gradual transition between land and water. These transitions can develop into new habitats for plants and animals.

It is expected that the work for the construction can start in 2025 or otherwise next year (2026).

About the Program

This project is part of the Programmatic Approach Large Waters (PAGW). This is a program from the ministries of I&W and LVVN. Rijkswaterstaat, Staatsbosbeheer, and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) carry out the agreed measures on behalf of the ministries. The program is set up to strengthen the ecosystems in the large waters of the Netherlands.

Want to Know More?

Would you like more information? Visit the website of Netherlands Enterprise Agency  or Programmatic Approach Large Waters .