The high water project Lob van Gennep also included a plan to improve the Maas nature in the Milsbeek floodplain. This part will no longer proceed due to delays in the dike relocation.
Improving water quality
In recent years, we have been in dialogue with the local community about plans to improve the ecological water quality of the Maas. This can be done by making the Milsbeek floodplain more nature-friendly. Various options were considered, such as digging a connected channel along the river, creating isolated channels, and so-called seepage grasslands.
During the plan development, it became clear that only with a dike relocation sufficient space can be created in the floodplain to implement these measures, ensuring compliance with water safety requirements.
The official documents were available for inspection in June 2024. This was called the Notification of intention and participation notification Water Framework Directive - measure Milsbeek floodplain .
Dike relocation delayed
In February 2025, the project announced that the dike relocation would take more time than expected. Due to changes in nitrogen regulations, new analyses were required, and the design had to be adjusted in some areas, which was not anticipated earlier. As a result, the schedule for dike reinforcement and relocation has been postponed.
WFD deadline not achievable
The improvement of ecological water quality is subject to a strict deadline. This falls under the Water Framework Directive (WFD), a program running until 22 December 2027. As it stands, the dike is expected to be relocated in 2028.
This is too late to meet the WFD deadline. Therefore, we are forced to remove the plan to improve ecological water quality from the Lob van Gennep project . The funds reserved for this will be used for a WFD project that can be completed on time.
Unclear possibilities for later implementation
The Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management will first investigate whether this measure can be included in the new River Basin Management Plan (2028-2033). If in the future the possibilities for Maas nature in the Milsbeek floodplain are reconsidered, the local community will be involved again.
Background Water Framework Directive
The Water Framework Directive contains binding agreements on improving the chemical and ecological quality of groundwater and surface water in Europe. Part of this is that waters must form a good habitat for the plants and animals naturally living there. This also applies to water in the Netherlands, where Rijkswaterstaat is responsible for large rivers such as the Maas. This is done on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Examples of WFD measures for the Maas include creating nature-friendly banks, stream mouths, and floodplains. This restores habitats for fish, aquatic plants, and small aquatic animals in and along the river as much as possible. The program runs until 2027.
