The Spui and Pump Complex IJmuiden ensures that water from the North Sea Canal is discharged into the North Sea. It also protects part of the Netherlands from flooding from the sea. Since various components are at the end of their lifespan, the spui and pump complex is due for renewal.
Planning Study for Renewal of Spui and Pump Complex IJmuiden
Rijkswaterstaat started the planning study Renewal of Spui and Pump Complex IJmuiden (VSGIJ) in 2024. The project procedure is being followed under the Environmental Law. Together with the surroundings, we are looking for a future-proof solution for the aging spui and pump complex.
We are investigating how much water we need to discharge in 2060, how we can do that in IJmuiden, and how we can possibly expand the capacity if needed in 2080. The planning study consists of 4 phases. The 1st phase has now been completed.
Engaging with Stakeholders
In the 1st phase of the planning study, we had a lot of contact with involved organizations and stakeholders. Last year, we organized 2 sessions, inviting the water boards, the municipality, and the province.
Together with them, we looked at the main functions of the spui and pump complex. We also prepared a comprehensive inventory of options for renewing the complex. This so-called Value Engineering is a method where experts from various fields collaborate to find ways to improve a product or process.
Customer Requirement Discussions (KES)
After that, we held Customer Requirement Discussions (KES) with the involved organizations. They shared their wishes, concerns, and points of attention regarding the spui and pump complex and its renewal. From these discussions, it became clear that a simple renovation is not desirable.
Future with Sufficient Water
An important outcome was that the renewed complex must also be able to discharge sufficient water from the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal and North Sea Canal in the future.
During the work, it is very important that the current discharge capacity is maintained. There is also a need for a clear installation with pumps that are interchangeable. This way, the pump capacity remains readily available. Finally, the involved parties emphasized the importance of safety, user-friendliness, and a stable energy supply.
Options Study
In the 1st phase, we inventoried 27 different options for renewing the spui and pump complex, divided into 3 types:
- Renewal (renovation)
- Renewal in combination with expansion
- New construction
We assessed the options based on the principles of the planning study and hydraulic boundary conditions. An example of this is the required capacity to discharge water to the sea.
Due to climate change, we are taking into account more intense rainfall in the future and a rise in sea levels. This means we need to discharge more water and increase the discharge capacity of the pump in the future.
Ecology
In terms of ecology, we are looking at how we can improve the fish safety of the pump. For example, by installing fish-friendly pumps. This helps fish safely pass through the pump.
After assessment, 12 of the 27 options remained that we will investigate in the next planning phase.
Project Procedure and Participation
The project procedure officially started with the Notification of Intent & Participation, which was available for inspection from October 16 to November 26, 2024. During this period, everyone could submit a viewpoint on the plans, the approach, and how we involve the community. We also organized an information evening about the project and the procedure during this period.
Four viewpoints were submitted: 3 were about fish safety and 1 was about another location for a new pump in the Buitenspuikanaal. We are investigating in the planning study how we can improve fish safety and are considering the proposed location in the Buitenspuikanaal as one of the options.
The response document , in which we respond to the submitted viewpoints, was published in early February 2025. All submitters received this response document.