The storm surge levels in the Western Scheldt and the Belgium Scheldt can be reduced substantially by using the Eastern Scheldt as a controlled overflow area for water from the Western Scheldt. For a reduction of 0.5 to 1.0 m, the overflow connection should have a discharge capacity of 15,000 to 20,000 m³/sec. This corresponds with a channel size of approximately 1 km wide and about 10 metres deep at the centre. The channel will have the shape and dimensions of a natural channel in sandy estuaries. To be able to operate the connection in a controlled way, a barrier should be included.

Under daily conditions, the connection can be operated in opposite direction. At each low tide water from the Eastern Scheldt can be discharged into the Western Scheldt. In this way the natural depth of the Western Scheldt will increase (potential reduction of maintenance dredging volumes) and the water quality of the Western Scheldt will improve. In the Eastern Scheldt, the morphodynamics of the estuary (that was significantly reduced after the construction of the storm surge barrier in the entrance) will increase.

Location
Western and Eastern Scheldt, The Netherlands

Date
2002 - 2003

Services
Development of initiative, organisation of symposium, conceptual design, hydraulic modelling (1D/2D), flood risk assessment

Associated firms
Royal Haskoning