Effectiveness according to development targets of measure
Step 1: Definition of development targets
This
new relocation strategy is a mitigation measure for the
deepening of the fairway in the Western Scheldt
with both economic and ecological benefits. The economic benefits are related to the deepening and maintenance of the fairway. The ecological benefits are related to keeping the sediment in the estuary and creating new valuable areas without endangering the multiple channel system. The relocation of the dredged sediment is well-considered to limit the current velocity around the sandbar and hence
create low dynamic habitats.
Step 2: Degree of target achievement
The degree of target achievement is not clear yet as the measure is still in progress. Up till now the implementation is partially on track with the expected targets.
During the implementation since 2010 the relocation strategy is already adapted based on new insights from the monitoring, which emphasizes the usefulness of the flexible strategy applied here. The sediment volume relocated into the shallow water areas is maintained during a period of 5 years following the deepening. At the Rug van Baarland, some spots are not used anymore to dispose material because of a rich local benthos population. At the Hooge Platen the use of the diffuser technique is stopped during the summer months because of the breeding season of the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo).
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