Today the construction of an installation against salinization of the North Sea Canal started in IJmuiden. Since the inauguration of the new sea lock, ten thousand tons of salt have been channeled into the freshwater canal with every lock. This is particularly a problem for agriculture that is dependent on fresh water. The project will cost one hundred million euros and will be completed in two years.
The locks in IJmuiden form the connection between the North Sea Canal and the North Sea. In order to reduce the influx of salt water into the canal, Rijkswaterstaat has started building a dam, which will eventually be completed in 2025. Due to the construction of the dam, residents who live close to the lock may suffer in the coming period. of noise pollution.
Selective extraction
The installation in the internal drainage channel makes use of the physical law that salt water is heavier than fresh water. The salt water sinks to the bottom of the channel. The salt water is pumped back to the North Sea through an opening in the dam just above the channel floor. In this way, further salinization of the North Sea Canal is prevented.
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Nuisance due to the work
Large steel pipes are currently being placed in the ground by means of vibrations. It is possible that this technique does not work sufficiently, so that driving has to be done. “The sound is insulated with a mat, but that will certainly be audible,” says Rob Gordijn of the Van Hattum Blankevoort construction company, which is carrying out the work. The piers are needed to construct a sheet piling that ensures that the island does not crumble when the inner drainage channel is dredged.
It is possible to work on the dam 24/7 via a webcam to follow. Information is also regularly shared on Facebook. “But if people are bothered too much by the work, they can call Rijkswaterstaat,” explains Gordijn. The national information number of Rijkswaterstaat is 0800-8002.
Why does the salt water have to go?
Every time the new mega sea lock (the largest in the world) is closed, ten thousand tons of salt end up in the surface water. Agriculture suffers from this, the soil becomes salty and the crops wither. A unique and spectacular installation is being built to seriously reduce the amount of salt. The salt water flows back into the sea and the fresh water stays where it is.
Rijkswaterstaat is carrying out measurements to find out how much salt water is currently flowing into the river. When the project is finished, the results of these measurements will be published.
Watch a video about the construction of the dam below.
schedule selective withdrawal; source Rijkswaterstaat – NH Nieuws