Hydro-ecological relations in the Delta Waters of the South-West Netherlands
report
Before human interference in the Delta of the South-West Netherlands, the hydro-ecological relations in the waters of this Delta were taken very much for granted. As a result of the man-made changes, the natural relations disappeared. The construction of the Delta Works completely altered the face of the Delta. This was not the first occasion on which the relations between the waters of the Delta had been affected. Take for example the construction of the Sloe Dam and Kreekrak Dam in the latter half of the 19th century, which resulted in the loss of the connection between the Eastern aad Western Scheldt. Nevertheless, the Delta in its present form is largely the brainchild of hydraulic engineers of the latter half of the present century. The original Delta Project treated the Delta as a single entity, but purely from the point of view of safety and water control. At that time the integral approach of ecological interests had yet to be developed. Although ecological considerations have gained in importance over the years, the present compartmentalization of the Delta is still to a great extent the product of the original Delta Project. The completion of the water management infrastructure of the Delta marks, for the time being at least, the end of an era of major hydraulic projects in the Delta. But while these works were being carried out, a new era had already begun; one which centred on careful supervision and responsible management of the newly-created systems. This approach will put to use what has been learned about the behaviour of compartmentalized systems. If we respond to changes by making informed use of the scope for control and regulation presented by the Delta Works, we can develop these new systems to their full potential.
Topics
TNO Identifier
114107
ISBN
90-6743-160-5
Publisher
TNO
Editor(s)
Hooghart, J.C.
Posthumus, C.W.S.
Posthumus, C.W.S.
Collation
170 p.
Place of publication
Den Haag