Hollandse Delta water board and Antea Group sign declaration of intent for partnership

The Hollandse Delta water board is responsible for the safety, maintenance, and management of dikes and primary flood defenses on the islands in the province of Zuid-Holland. Under the Dutch Water Act, all primary flood defenses in the Netherlands must meet the new standard by 2050. Since the dike between Geervliet and Hekelingen does not currently meet this standard, it has been designated for further analysis and reinforcement as part of the High Water Protection Program (Hoogwaterbeschermingsprogramma, HWBP).

During the exploratory phase, the Hollandse Delta water board and Antea Group will jointly assess which dike reinforcement methods could be used, which developments are ongoing in the immediate vicinity, and which aspects and interests should be taken into account when designing the dike. The quality of the landscape is a key factor in this process. The partnership between the Hollandse Delta water board and Antea Group marks the start of a period of intensive research, calculations, and close collaboration with local stakeholders to collect as much information as possible. During the course of 2024, promising solutions and alternatives will be considered based on the information gathered. The procedure that will ultimately lead to the selection of a preferred alternative is expected to be governed by the new Dutch Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet).