sign in sign up
<<
Home , Bornem, Demer, Duffel, Dyle (river), Hamme, Heindonk

The Sigma Plan How do you want to live along the river ? CONTENTS INTRODUCTION For centuries, the river Scheldt and its tributaries have contributed to making the Belgian region of a good place to live. Our region has plenty of industry, which we owe to the Scheldt. But there is also a downside. At times, (bad) flooding can cause a lot of misery in Flanders. The Sigma Plan aims to change this. By creating more space for the tidal rivers, the Sigma Plan helps everyone keep their feet dry.

At the same time, the plan also creates stunning nature areas that are always a pleasure to behold. In this brochure, you will find out what the Sigma Plan has in store! ZENNEGAT

04 11 18 1. The origin of the 4. Nature that is 8. The projects Sigma Plan both beneficial and breathtaking 20 The Scheldt quays in 06 22 Cluster 14 23 Upper 2. The Sigma Plan 24 Kalkense Meersen today 5. Enjoying the water Cluster 25 Valley 26 Building and 09 16 maintaining 3. Good protection 6. The Scheldt, life vein 28 Dyle Estuary against flooding for the economy 30 Dorent 31 Valley BERGENMEERSEN THE LITTLE BITTERN 32 Hedwige Prosper 17 Project and Polder 7. An eye for 33 Lippenbroek agriculture 34 and Kleine Nete MASTHEAD Copyright images: De Vlaamse Waterweg 36 Polders of nv, Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos (Agency Publisher: De Vlaamse Waterweg nv, Sea for Nature and Forest), Bart Lasuy, Daniel 38 Lillo Polder Scheldt Department, Civil Engineer Wim Geeraerts (ID/photo agency), Henderyckx 39 Scheldt Meander Dauwe, Lange Kievitstraat 111-113, box 44, Fotografie, Vilda WATER SAFETY 2018 Antwerp Legal deposit number: D/2016/13.826/2 40 Schouselbroek Copywriting and production: Pantarein in a consortium with Tractebel Published: August 2017 NATURE 41 Grote Nete Valley

Printing: Artoos 42 Vlassenbroek 43 Wal-Zwijn DISCOVER

02 Sigma Brochure • 2017 03 1 The origin of the Sigma Plan Take an exceptionally strong northwesterly storm and add a spectacular spring tide to the mix. The water will rise to unprecedented levels, creating a downright dangerous situation. This is what happened in 1953 and 1976, culminating in terrible floods. To prevent such disasters from happening in the future, the government launched the Sigma Plan in 1977.

Storm on the 1953: a calamity in the 1976: Flanders flooded . to their roofs. The ­disastrous storm surge barrier was built will create a safer, more again flood of 1976accelerated ­ because the cost outweighed accessible, and natural Scheldt The storm surge of 1953 is a In 1976, another merciless matters. the benefits. A chain of flood River. The Development grim chapter in the history of the storm tide struck the Scheldt control areas, however, is a ­Outline mainly strives for a Low Countries. The Dutch Delta again. In addition to two The government understood more secure option. sustainable and balanced region was hardest hit, with 1,836 ­fatalities, the material ­damage that it had to provide better development of the river, with The flooded deadly casualties as a result of in the Scheldt basis was flood protection. And so it At the time, the government’s attention to all its functions. town of flooding. In Flanders, 18 people substantial. In Antwerp, the launched the Sigma Plan, an vision on water management Ruisbroek died. The Dutch ­government water levels surged to close to ambitious and large-scale was already considered www.vnsc.eu (1976). devised the Delta Plan, a 8 metres, or 3.5 metres above project to guarantee people’s quite progressive. While the programme of construction the average high water level. safety. neighbouring countries focused projects that included raising The polders to the north of on raising levees and building and reinforcing levees as well as Antwerp and the Land of Waas Three measures flood barriers, Flanders opted building dams and flood barriers region were also affected by The original Sigma Plan was for a more natural approach to to protect the Netherlands the rising water. In Oorderen,­ devised in 1977 and comprised water management, creating against the rising water. ­the turbulent water broke three measures: 1) stronger more space for the river. through the Scheldt , and higher levees, 2) flood The Dutch flood barriers are creating a 12 metre wide control areas to absorb excess Development currently able to withstand water breach. Lillo and Hingene water, and 3) a storm surge Outline 2010 levels that only occur once in suffered the same fate. Three barrier in Oosterweel. The plan The Sigma Plan 10,000 years. ­ enacted quarters of the municipality was Belgium’s­ answer to the is part of the the Polder Act, to assure the of Zandvliet was under water. threat of future storm tides Scheldt Estuary future maintenance of the In Ruisbroek, along the and excessive precipitation in Development levees. The Civil Defence was River, the Vliet Levee burst, the higher areas. Today, the Outline 2010. This also established to offer fast and completely flooding the village levee construction projects and combined package targeted assistance in case of and leaving the inhabi­tants flood control areas of the first of mea­sures and flooding. with no option than to flee plan have been completed. No projects in Flanders

04 Sigma Brochure • 2017 05 PAGINA HOOFDING

­overflow. And that rivers don’t we need to use it parsimoniously ­ongoing in several other take well to being realigned or and in various ways. regions and new flood control contained by levees. We also areas will be completed in the know that safety and nature Proven use short term. The Sigma Plan development are inextricably During the many severe storms should be completed by 2030. linked. Since 2005, the of recent years, the first ­Sigma We launch new projects every Government of Flanders has Plan areas have already amply five years. Wetlands in the perfected the Sigma Plan, by proven their use. Works are Kalkense Meersen taking all these insights into Cluster. account.

A multi-faceted river The updated Sigma Plan aims to create a sustainable and robust Scheldt. Under this plan, all the river’s functions can Hikers and birdwatchers really appreciate the boardwalk in be harmoniously developed, Bergenmeersen. now and in the future. These functions are founded on four cornerstones, namely safety, nature, leisure, and economy. Protecting against flooding is 2 the first priority of the Sigma Plan. At the same time, the The blue-headed Government of Flanders will The Sigma Plan wagtail. Nature restore and further develop development is nature along the river banks. This one of the four is vital to meet the conservation cornerstones of the today objectives of Natura 2000 Sigma Plan. sites imposed by Europe. The The Sigma Plan originally started out as a water Sigma Plan also improves the Who? management plan. Since then, it has come to encompass potential for recreation on and along the river Scheldt and much more. The objective was to create a safe Scheldt The Sigma Plan is a project of the its tributaries. It also focuses region, with attention to nature while also developing assets ­Government of Flanders. Waterway on the economic functions of manager De Vlaamse Waterweg nv for leisure and economy. the Scheldt Region, including coordinates the Sigma Plan and is tasked shipping and agriculture. A with water management. De Vlaamse flanking agricultural policy helps Waterweg nv works with the Agentschap Update needed experience more frequent and of the original Sigma Plan and compensates farmers who voor Natuur en Bos (Agency for Nature Scientific insights have evolved. extreme weather conditions. therefore are not sufficient to are adversely affected by the and Forest) to achieve the conservation We now know that sea levels In addition to this, more and guarantee our safety. interventions of the Sigma Plan. objectives. We also have joined forces will rise even more because more people moved to natural with local governments, farmers’ of climate change, thereby valleys, building houses in Our views on water In brief, the updated Sigma Plan organisations, nature associations, the increasing the likelihood of a places that are vulnerable to management have also evolved is designed to create a Scheldt local population, hunters, anglers, the storm tide. Flanders, one of the flooding. That is why the floods over time. We now know that a with multiple functions. Open tourism industry, the hospitality industry, three Belgian regions, will also take their toll. The measures river needs space to flow and space is scarce in Flanders. So and several other partners to implement the Sigma Plan.

06 Sigma Brochure • 2017 07 PAGINA HOOFDING

3

The overflow levee Good protection in Paardeweide (Kalkense Meersen Cluster) doing its against flooding job. Tidal rivers such as the river Scheldt are not without risk. Extra high water levels may result in flooding, during a storm tide or when there is a lot of precipitation. The Sigma Plan is based on a smart concept to increase safety.

The Sigma Plan protects those areas that are more reduces the chances of Flanders against flooding. upstream along the River breaches in the levees. It does this by: Scheldt. The tides are stronger • raising and reinforcing the in the section between Antwerp Relieving the pressure river levees; and the Western Scheldt. There The polder is literally given back • giving the river more space the levee height has been to the river with the process in flood control areas; raised to 11 metres TAW. of depoldering. How do we • reducing the pressure do this? We build a new levee in extreme situations by Robust water collection further inland. Then we create giving back certain areas When a powerful tidal wave breaches in the old levee, to the river. This is called rolls up the Scheldt, the river allowing the tides to flow in and depoldering. must be able to absorb a huge out of the area. Tidal nature, amount of water in a very short with mudflats and marshes, Sturdy levees time. That is why we have develops in the depoldered The Sigma Plan comprises developed flood control areas. area (see page 11). At the same about 645 kilometres of levee These are low-lying areas of time, the water’s pressure on projects. How did we decide land along the river, which we the levees is relieved, reducing where to build these levees? encircle with a high (ring) levee. the likelihood of floods inland. We mapped the entire basin of The water enters the flood plain the Scheldt and its tributaries. via a lowered overflow levee. Experts calculated the water It can only flow back to the pressure on the levees. We river once the water level has simulated storm tides with sufficiently decreased there. computer models. That is how There is less pressure on the

we calculated the required levees because a quantity of * Tweede Algemene Waterpassing thickness and height of the water enters the flood control (TAW): the reference height for Scheldt levees. We raise the area and is stopped by the ring ­measuring water levels in Belgium. A TAW height of 0 metres equals the Bergenmeersen levees to 8 metres TAW* in levee. This also significantly average sea level at low tide in Ostend. effortlessly playing its water absorbing role during the December storm of 2013. 08 Sigma Brochure • 2017 09 Flow 4 Nature that is both beneficial Discharge sluice and breathtaking The Sigma Plan helps develop vital nature areas, and achieve the European Ring levee Flood control area Overflow levee Scheldt conservation objectives. In many areas, the tides are given free rein again. But the typical river landscapes, with wet nature that is not influenced by the tides, are also given plenty of opportunities for development.

How does a flood Natura 2000 From saltwater to of these biotopes has its control area work? Over the years, a lot of freshwater own inhabitants. The water ­valuable nature was lost on Tidal nature is created when downstream from Antwerp and We build a high ring levee inland, along the banks of the Scheldt water flows in and out of an in the Netherlands is largely the river. This protects the residential areas and its tributaries. Europe area twice a day. Under the saltwater. Upstream, there is a behind it. We lower and reinforce the established directives to influence of ebb and flow, 60 kilometre long freshwater existing river levee, transforming it into an ensure the survival of typical the unique transition from tidal area along the Scheldt. overflow levee. The water can then flow European flora and fauna, freshwater to saltwater comes The nature that develops here over this overflow levee in case of high namely the Birds Directive into play, giving rise to an is unique in Europe. water levels on the river. and the Habitats Directive. interaction between water, All the Member States must sand, and silt. Here, the river Tidal nature develops in This creates a flood control area, that can designate special protection carves out a network of mud a flood control area with absorb large amounts of water, along the zones. Together these areas flats and shoals, marshes, reduced tides (see insert page river. The river’s water level is reduced, form a network of protected channels, and brooks. Each 12) or in a depoldered area. which in turn relieves the pressure on the areas, called Natura 2000. levees. The tidal wave loses a lot of its Europe has also formulated The development of freshwater ­power. And the risk of floods or breaches conservation objectives for tidal nature in Bergenmeersen. is also much reduced. As soon as the water the entire Scheldt region, both level in the river has sufficientlyreduced, ­ for species and habitats. In the water in the flood control area is the Sigma Plan project areas, drained through discharge sluices. we will take measures to give these special habitats and A flood control area floods when a storm species every opportunity to tide occurs in combination with an extreme develop. Large sections of the northwesterly storm. The rest of the time Scheldt, its tributaries, and the the area has another function. Farmers let valley are now areas where the their livestock graze in some flood control Habitats and Birds Directives areas. Valuable nature develops in others. apply.

Do you want to see how a flood control area works? Then view the animated clip at www.sigmaplan.be. The combined intake and discharge sluice in Bergenmeersen creates tidal nature. 10 11 Wetlands alluvial forests. These forests feel at home in these expansive Valuable nature can also are a very rare type of nature. pastures. Fish, amphibians, and The fish stocks in ­develop in areas without the The roots of these trees are dragonflies inhabit the ditches, Lippenbroek are influence of the tides. Rare flora submerged for much of the brooks, and pools. recovering very and fauna can thrive in these year. Birds love to shelter and quickly. swampy wetlands. In winter, the breed there. Mud flats and marshes, groundwater is high, whereas the showpieces of Scheldt How does a flood the level drops in summer. Flowery hay meadows and nature Wetlands are also extremely grasslands develop where cows Mud flats are the lower-lying control area with reduced diverse, from open water to graze and people mow the sections of the bank that always tides work? reed beds which turn into alder grass. Meadow birds especially flood when the tide comes in. They are teeming with small creatures such as worms, crabs, We combine safety with attention to nature in a and lobsters. Water birds and flood control area with reduced tides. The area Flowery meadows in the Durme Valley. fish love them. The mud flats is part of the Scheldt ecosystem. At high tide, a The black-tailed are very popular with geese, limited amount of water flows into the area twice godwit is a meadow bird that will really ducks, and waders, who enjoy a day. This happens through the intake sluice. The enjoy life in the tide is therefore ‘reduced’. At low tide, the water resting and foraging for food wetlands of the there. flows back to the river through the discharge sluice. Kalkense Meersen. The process simulates the rhythm of the ebb and When the water retreats flow of a tidal river. after each tide, a layer of silt is deposited in the mud flats. These mud flats start to accumulate at certain­ places. When they protrude above the average water level, they are

called marshes. Low marshes Flow flood a few times a month. High

­marshes only flood at spring Intake sluice tide, about twice a month. Here, you will find vegetation that

thrives in saltwater, including Discharge sluice marsh samphire and sea lavender. The brackish marshes, Ring levee Flood control area Overflow levee Scheldt with a mixture of salt and freshwater, are populated with reeds and sea aster. Freshwater Nature does a lot of good ­marshes develop further upstream, creating a variable Mud flats and marshes are very like a large sponge, retaining rainwater landscape with brushwood, reed Ebb beneficial for humans. They form a for a longer period of time. They act beds, and tidal willow forests. In natural buffer, protecting us against like a natural water buffer. Scheldt early spring, marsh marigolds flooding. They collect sand and sludge, nature is not just a delightful habitat for flower in these tidal forests. Intake sluice reducing the need for dredging. many different bird species. It is also a Reed birds and marsh birds love They purify the water and restore great place for us all to walk, bike, and to shelter and breed here. The Discharge sluice the balance of the natural food chain. enjoy the beauty of nature. willow forests­ along the Scheldt Wetlands are also beneficial. They are resemble tropical mangroves. They are dense, impenetrable Ring levee Flood control area Overflow levee Scheldt forests in the water.

12 Sigma Brochure • 2017 13 The learning path in 5 Wijmeers (Kalkense Meersen Cluster) informs visitors about the Sigma Enjoying the water Plan. We are building new cycling and hiking trails along the Scheldt. As well as bird observation huts, boardwalks, forests where children can play, and bodies of water for water sports and fishing. Because life on and along the river is beautiful.

Since 2016, The Voyager by Will Beckers graces the new public square in Aard (Kalkense Meersen Cluster).

rest areas designed­ by the increases social famous Belgian designer support for the Polders­ ­Stefan Schöning give you a of Kruibeke in several taste of what this lovely area ways, including guided has to offer. Check out the walks and art projects. many frogs in the ­newly-built amphibian pool in Kortbroek. Kalkense Meersen Cluster People of all ages can enjoy nature in the completed Polders of Kruibeke. We were assisted by The Kalkense Meersen associations, the local Cluster in is a pretty junction, with several hospitality industry, fishermen, very popular with hikers and opportunities for experiencing and the locals when we cyclists alike. Here, you will the Scheldt. The majestic landscape of the Polders of Kruibeke ­Cosmogolem welcomes you redeveloped the Polders of find an ecological artwork of Scheldt and its tributaries is a This vast area is a hotspot for at Scheldelei, one of the Kruibeke. They all were given woven wicker, Galloway cows, The Scheldt is never far away source of relaxation for many nature and recreation. Cyclists, gateways to the area. You the opportunity to share their and birds such as the black- here. A will take you to people. The river valleys and the joggers, and hikers discover will find time capsules that ideas. Until September 2018, tailed godwit and the great the other side in no time at many towpaths along the water the typical Scheldt nature in highlight the past, present, the LIFE+ Scalluvia project will bittern. The ideal place to all. The new towpath on the are a great place to unwind. their own way. and future of the landscape also be implemented here, start when exploring all this right Scheldt bank assures an You can do this in several ways, along the hiking and bike with European support. Thanks loveliness is the renovated efficient and safe connection by hiking, cycling, fishing, Original nature artworks and trails, and the towpath on the to this project, 90 hectares of public square in Aard, a between Wetteren and longboarding ... Thousands information boards make Scheldt levee. The concrete alluvial forest and creeks will hamlet in the municipality ­. Boats can now of Belgians have already the tour even more special. columns, bridges,­ stairs, be developed in the most ideal of Wichelen. The public moor here thanks to the new experienced this first-hand. A wooden giant called the bird observation huts, and manner. Scalluvia moreover square has transformed into bollards.

14 Sigma Brochure • 2017 15 6 7 The Scheldt, life An eye for vein for the economy agriculture The Sigma Plan takes into account the Scheldt’s The Sigma Plan takes into account the consequences for local farmers economic role as one of the busiest rivers in Europe as much as possible. Agriculture is still possible in some Sigma areas. In that is vital for Belgium. New forms of activity also others, the local farmers are involved in conserving the area. We search develop around the Scheldt. for viable solutions for every area, in consultation with the local farmers and farmers’ organisations. The charming café Zennegat Shipping and ports are located in the port and on 13 is located right at Consequences for The Scheldt plays an important the river­ banks of the Scheldt. Zennegat (Dyle Estuary). agriculture economic role. Every year, tons of They employ tens of thousands We preserve intensive goods are transported along this of ­people and are crucial for farmland where possible. We major shipping route, to and from Flanders’ economy. The Scheldt mapped these lands together the ports of Antwerp, ,­ is part of the TEN-T, the Trans-­ with the ­Flemish Land Agency , Ghent, and even European Transport Network, (VLM). We took their existence Reviving the local . The Scheldt connects which constitutes Europe’s into account when defining economy Flanders and the Netherlands economic artery. So it is easy to the Sigma areas. Some project Terraces and restaurants along with via the and the see why access to the Scheldt is areas can still be used as the towpath, rental companies Upper-Seascheldt. Ships can sail such an important aspect of the farmland. for bikes and boats, etc. The eastwards up the Albert , Sigma Plan. The hospitality industry and service to the basin and further, emphasises the importance of Together with the VLM, we companies throughout the via Antwerp. Several companies the Scheldt for our economy. also analysed the effects Scheldt Valley also benefit from of the Sigma Plan on farms the assets of the Flemish tidal and discussed farmers’ rivers. Local associations and town expectations. We collated this councils help develop a wide information in an agricultural range of leisure facilities. Farmers impact study. This gives rise also contribute to tourist projects, to measures for compensating with a farm shop that sells regional Land Bank. We also pay successful partnerships. The farmers. artisan products, guided farm compensation to offset the farmers sign a conversion visits, a bed and breakfast, and loss of revenue. contract. In exchange for more. Mitigating measures compensation, they conserve We devised measures to Farmers lending a the land according to strict mitigate the consequences helping hand rules. A five-year conversion for the affected farmers. Local farmers help with the contract gives them the time They are very diverse. Sigma conversion of the areas in to reorganise their farm or works can for example be various Sigma Projects. The find alternatives for the land staggered in time. This also wetlands of the Polders of they lost. The land becomes gives farmers more time to Kruibeke and the Kalkense wetland only after five years. convert their farms. Or we Meersen along the Scheldt, Farmers can then use the The Port of Antwerp help farmers move their farm and in Weymeerbroek and land for free, under certain emphasises the or take part in land exchange importance of the Scheldt Bulbierbroek along the river conditions. Farmers mow or for our economy. projects, through the Flemish Durme, are examples of such graze the land in exchange.

16 Sigma Brochure • 2017 17

Vilvoorde

Dorent

Dender Zenne

Demer Valley

Wetteren

Demer Bastenakkers

Scheldt

Upper-Dyle

Dyle

Ham

Wal-Zwijn Kalkense Meersen Cluster

Mechelen Grote Nete Valley

Vlassenbroek Ghent-Wetteren

Dyle Estuary

Scheldt meander

Lippenbroek

Grote Nete

Ghent

Durme

Bornem Cluster

Lokeren

Rupel

Nete

Durme Valley

Westerlo

Schouselbroek

Lier

Kruibeke

2030

Kleine Nete

Polders of

2025

Nete and Kleine Nete

Burchtse Weel Scheldt quays

2020 Scheldt

Antwerp

2015

2010

North and Center

before 2005

Doel Polder

Netherlands

e

d

l

e

h Sc

Lillo Potpolder

Prosper Project the Sigma areas

Hedwige- Start-up year of

Hedwige Prosper Project Lillo Polder E19 S che Netherlands Doel Polder lde North and Center 8 The projects E34 E34 Scheldt

Burchtse Weel Antwerp Scheldt quays Nete and Kleine Nete

Polders of Herentals Nete Canal Kleine Nete Kruibeke E313 Schouselbroek Lier Durme Valley Bornem Cluster Rupel E19 Durme Bornem Lippenbroek Nete Grote Nete E17 Scheldt Meander Dyle Estuary Ghent Vlassenbroek Ghent Wetteren Grote Nete Valley Kalkense Meersen Cluster Wal-Zwijn Scheldebroek A12 Dendermonde Ham Dyle Upper Dyle Wetteren Scheldt Bastenakkers Demer Demer Valley Diest Aarschot Dorent Zenne E40 Brussels–Scheldt Louvain-Dyle Start-up year of Hedwige- Maritime Canal Canal Prosper Project the Sigma areas Prosper Project Lillo Potpolder The Sigma Plan should be completed Sc Sch held Netherlands elde Netherlands Doel Polder e before 2005 by 2030. We launch new projects E314 North and Center every five years. We are already 2010 implementing a first series of projects, others are being prepared step by 2015 Antwerp step in the meantime. On the following Scheldt 2020 pages, you will get a better idea of

Burchtse Weel Scheldt quays what will happen in the various areas. Nete and Kleine Nete Nete and Kleine Nete 2025 Herentals Polders of Go to www.sigmaplan.be for the latest Kleine Nete 2030 Kruibeke 2030 state of affairs.

Lier Schouselbroek Lier Schouselbroek Westerlo Durme Valley Westerlo Nete Lokeren Rupel Lokeren Bornem Cluster Durme Sigma Brochure • 2017 Ghent 18 19 Grote Nete Lippenbroek Grote Nete Scheldt meander Lippenbroek Dyle Estuary Ghent-Wetteren Vlassenbroek Mechelen Grote Nete Valley Kalkense Meersen Cluster Wal-Zwijn

Ham Dendermonde Ham Dyle Upper-Dyle Diest Scheldt Aarschot Bastenakkers Demer Wetteren Demer Valley Zenne Dender Zenne Dorent Vilvoorde PROJECTS

The Scheldt quays in Antwerp

e give the Scheldt quays a though. That is why it has been subdivided into radical facelift, over a length seven zones. A specific stabilisation technique of 7 kilometres, together with is applied in every zone, depending on the con- Antwerp’s town council. This dition of the quay wall. Besides stabilising the Wis necessary because the quay wall is in bad historic quay wall, another important element of condition and the quays flood when there is a this project is the adaptation of the flood barrier. storm tide. The condition of the quay wall is not Finally, the city will transform the quays into a the same along the entire length of the quays fun spot by the water, as the cherry on the cake.

Surface area: 7 kilometres Territory: Antwerp (from Rijnkaai to D’Herbouvillekaai) Phase: in progress

20 21 PROJECTS

Bornem Cluster Upper Dyle

’Ursel Castle, Groenendijk with wetlands. Groot Schoor and Stort 200 hectare area in the restaurant, the ‘wielen’ (deep van het Buitenland will be depoldered, territory of and water sheets), the sanctuary ... so the typical Scheldt marshes are Haacht will be transformed In the Bornem Cluster, history expanded. into two floodplains. The Dand nature are intertwined along the Ainhabitants of the wider region will Scheldt. In this 200 hectare green oasis, have to worry less about wet feet in we will build water buffers to tackle the future. The nature in the alluvial The Sigma Plan improves the popular flooding. Oudbroek-Schellandpolder meadows will also be given a boost. towpath along the Dyle, building new The Bornem Cluster has one of will become a safe flood control area The showpiece of this project is ones on the levees along the flood the six sanctuaries, or places Pikhaken wetlands, where we will control areas. The trails seamlessly in Flanders where the sound restore the habitat of the rare great connect with the existing cycling and of nature has the upper hand. crested newt and the corncrake. hiking networks in the region. After the Sigma Plan works are finished, silence will be restored again.

Surface area: 216 hectares Territory: Bornem Phase: planning phase

Surface area: 200 hectares Territory: Rijmenam (Bonheiden) and Haacht Phase: planning phase 22 23 PROJECTS Kalkense Meersen Cluster

he Scheldt is given more levels. Bergenmeersen, Wijmeers, space in a wide area around Paardeweide, Paardebroek, and the Kalkense Meersen Kalkense Meersen: these stunning Cluster, between Ghent and natural gems form the Kalkense TDendermonde. As a result, the region Meersen Cluster. Surface area: about 2,500 around , , Wetteren, hectares along the Demer and Wichelen is better protected (different phases) when a storm tide raises the water A special sluice lets a limited amount Territory: Diest, Aarschot, of Scheldt water in and out of the Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, area, to the rhythm of the tides, Begijnendijk, and Werchter in Bergenmeersen. As a result, The ferry between Aard and Schellebelle. () rare nature develops here, with Phase: planning phase freshwater mud flats, freshwater marshes, and tidal willow forests.

Surface area: 950 hectares The region already has several facilities for leisure, heritage, Territory: Wichelen, Berlare, Demer Valley and regional development. Laarne, and Wetteren And these will only increase Phase: in progress thanks to the interventions he Demer Valley between of the Sigma Plan. Kayakers, Diest and Werchter will be horse riders, and cyclists will be completely redeveloped better served. to better protect the valley Tagainst flooding and tackle the problem of drought in summertime. This is vital for restoring the valuable Demer nature. Barriers in the river will increase the groundwater level. In some places, we will restore the winter riverbed and build safety levees. We will also restore a number of natural bends (meanders) in the river. The river’s natural flexibility and buffer capacity will be restored again as a result. A resilient river can handle larger amounts of water, and offers opportunities for more, and better, nature.

24 25 PROJECTS

We will also reduce the risk of flooding on Linkeroever Building and (the left bank of the Scheldt) by raising and reinforcing the levees. Together with the City of Antwerp, we are planning lovely, green levees and strategic observation maintaining levees points with a view of the city.

here necessary for safety, we raise and reinforce the river levees. Levees have In Schellebelle we built a glass water Wtwo advantages. Sand bags are officially barrier. We also raised the levees on a thing of the past for anyone living both banks between Wetteren and or working near the Scheldt. And the Schellebelle. We rebuilt the safe bike link towpaths are a lovely place to walk or on the levees, and added an accessible bike. ferry and boating jetty, and bollards for Besides flood control areas, the commercial shippers. Sigma Plan also builds levees for securing the region, as is the case here in Prosper Polder (Hedwige Prosper Project and Doel Polder).

Surface area: the Sigma Plan provides for 645 kilometres of sturdier, higher levees. Territory: works on the levees between Lillo and Sint-Filips, Hoboken Polderstad, Melle, Schellebelle, Noeveren, Linkeroever, etc. Phase: in progress

26 27 PROJECTS Dyle Estuary

he inhabitants of the watery the water ski club now has new, floating country around Mechelen docks and a stylish club house. and can sleep easy again. Four flood control Tareas (Zennegat, Grote Vijver North and South, and Tien Vierendelen) guarantee The Grote Vijver South area, which that everything is safe here. They also will continue to provide water leisure contribute to the development of facilities as well as having a protective valuable nature. Channels, marshes, and function. The water ski club of mud flats are the perfect habitat for rare Mechelen, the largest club of its kind flora and fauna. You can easily connect in Flanders with 800 members, is fully to the various bike junctions thanks to enjoying its brand new club house, the new, moveable bike bridges. And which opened in the summer of 2015.

Surface area: 207 hectares Territory: Mechelen and (Willebroek) Phase: in progress

28 29 PROJECTS

Dorent

he Flemish Agency for Nature Unpaved hiking paths criss-cross and Forest is developing a new through the area and along the section of wetland nature in the levees of the Old Zenne. The Durme Valley Zenne Valley in Vilvoorde, and signposted route from Dorent to TZemst. The Sigma Project Dorent will Nelebroek starts in Daalweg in ong ago, the Durme was a long river, with Three of seven project zones in the Durme Valley will transform 90 hectares into a patchwork . its source in , which merged be depoldered and exposed to the tides again. The of wet hay meadows, and pastures, with the Scheldt near . Over time, other four project zones will be developed as wetland hedgerows, reed beds, and ponds. If the course of the Durme has been changed. with hay meadows, swamps, and reed belts. you enjoy hiking, biking or horseback LThe typical flora and fauna also changed. The river riding, then you are more than welcome is now being given more space by transforming 205 to explore the new Dorent when it is hectares – from Hamme to Temse, , finished. , and Lokeren. Various interventions will be

needed. Dredging will allow the river to flow more

freely again. We are also studying how we can use the dredged material through the European financed USAR (Using Sediment As a Resource) project. Silting and flooding as a result of heavy rainfall is prevented by the new pumping station (2016). An integrated fish ladder allows fish to migrate in both directions, between the Moervaart and the Durme.

Surface area: 205 hectares Territory: Hamme, Temse, Waasmunster, Zele, and Lokeren Phase: in progress

Surface area: 90 hectares Territory: Vilvoorde and Zemst Phase: planning phase 30 31 PROJECTS

Lippenbroek

n the past, Lippenbroek in Hamme – covering University of Antwerp, and the University of Ghent a surface area of 10 hectares – used to be are studying, advising, and where necessary, a maize field. Now it is used as a testing adapting the operation of the sluices. We thus ground for the Sigma Plan. Lippenbroek is a refine the mathematical models for simulating and Iworld first. Here, scientists are investigating the studying the behaviour of flood control areas. effect of flooding during storms. They are also 465 hectares Surface area: examining the development of tidal nature. These The intake and discharge sluices in Lippenbroek are (170 hectares Prosper Polder, data provide a lot of useful information for other the prototype for other Sigma Projects. The daily 295 hectares Hedwige Polder) and Sigma Projects. Flanders Hydraulics Research, ebb and flow of the tides soon helped lush nature 300 hectares (Doel Polder) the Research Institute for Nature and Forest, the develop here. Territory: and (the Netherlands) Phase: in progress

Hedwige Prosper Project and Doel Polder

he Scheldt will be given free In the future, the Hedwige Prosper Project rein in Hedwige Prosper Project and Doel Polder will become part of the and Doel Polder. The Hedwige Grenspark Groot-, the largest and Prosper Polders, on both tidal area in Western Europe, covering a Tsides of the border between Belgium surface area of 4,500 hectares. and the Netherlands, will be depoldered and given back to the Scheldt. A new submerged land will be developed next to the Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe. Over time, an erratic pattern of marshes, Europees Fonds voor Regionale Ontwikkeling shoals, and mud flats will develop here. Doel Polder Center will transform into a system of channels and creeks, and a high mud flat will develop in Doel Polder North, which is currently a habitat for meadow birds. The depoldering also increases safety, reducing the pressure in case of a storm tide. The tide will become less powerful, wreaking less havoc upstream. Surface area: 10 hectares Territory: Hamme Phase: completed 32 3333 PROJECTS

Nete and Kleine Nete

his Kempen Sigma Project is are creating 265 hectares of space for spread over Lier, , , plenty of unique flora and fauna. , , and . We have already Tdeveloped flood control areas in the framework of the original Sigma Plan. Based on new insights, these flood You can spend hours biking or hiking control areas are further optimised, along the Nete and Kleine Nete. Soon and levees will be locally interrupted or you will also be able to take your lowered, allowing the water to flow into children to the future Pallieterland the area behind it. At the same time, we landscape park.

Surface area: 265 hectares Territory: Lier, Duffel, Nijlen, Grobbendonk, Berlaar, and Zandhoven Phase: planning phase

34 35 PROJECTS

Surface area: 600 hectares Territory: Kruibeke Phase: completed

Polders of Kruibeke

landers’ largest flood plain, the including the purple heron and the otter. Polders of Kruibeke, is located in the Beavers even have made this their home Land of Waas. This flood control area since a few years. makes Flanders five times safer. The FPolders of Kruibeke have the largest water storage capacity of all Sigma Plan areas. The Polders of Kruibeke are the largest The area will be used about twice a year, in and most frequented Sigma Plan area in case of extreme weather. The alluvial forests, Flanders. They are becoming a tourist which are teeming with marsh marigolds in attraction for leisure, with a house style spring, are a typical feature of the Polders. that is reflected in the information columns, But the landscape is much more varied, the bridges, stairs, bird observation huts, attracting a lot of spectacular species, boardwalks, and so on.

36 37 PROJECTS

Lillo Polder Scheldt Meander

ork was completed in the Polder in Lillo in 2012. The depoldering Ghent Wetteren of this area was a first step in the process to make the Antwerp e want to make the area to disappear. The Scheldt Meander Ghent Wport area more secure, protecting it against around the Scheldt meander Wetteren Sigma Project must eliminate floods. We built a one kilometre ring levee around We breached the existing levee along the Scheldt, between Ghent and this threat altogether in the long term. The the Polder. The levee is raised to the Sigma level so the water can flow into the polder. The Port Wetteren safer and more following interventions are planned: a new (height of +11 metres TAW*), meaning it is sturdy of Antwerp will soon be enlarged with valuable Wnatural. This is vital, as the combination of weir and lock in Heusden, the development of and high enough to protect the land behind it marshes and mud flats as a result. The burgeoning storm tide and the silting of the river mean tidal nature in the sand pit in Melle and Ham, against the Scheldt’s waters in extreme storms. tidal nature area attracts a lot of breeding birds. this area is prone to flooding. Without and a flood control area to absorb water in During the breeding season, the hiking trail is interventions, this part of the Scheldt would Bastenakkers with space for agriculture. * Tweede Algemene Waterpassing (TAW): the reference height closed, so as not to disturb the birds. You can get become land, increasing the risk of flooding for measuring water levels in Belgium. A TAW height of 0 metres equals the average sea level at low tide in Ostend. to the ring levee throughout the year though. even more which would cause valuable nature

Surface area: 220 hectares Territory: Ghent, , Melle, Heusden, and Wetteren Phase: planning phase

Surface area: 10 hectares Territory: upstream from Lillo Phase: completed 38 39 PROJECTS

Schouselbroek

n Schouselbroek, we are developing a vital and important landmark to protect the area against floods. But the Scheldt nature in Temse will also be able to fully develop in Itime. Besides the depoldered areas of Groot Broek and Klein Broek, which will give the Durme plenty of space to develop, the flood control area with reduced tides in Schouselbroek also helps. This area will buffer water in case of Surface area: 850 hectares You will be able to admire the typical Scheldt storm tide, together with the existing Territory: Nijlen, , Heist- mud flats and marshes from the levee. Tielrodebroek flood control area. op-den-Berg, , , Westerlo, , and Phase: planning phase

Grote Nete Valley

he Grote Nete winds its way through In this lush wetland, you should keep an eye its valley, which is populated with out for the great bittern, the spotted crake, castles, forests, and green meanders. and the corncrake. Here, between Nijlen and Geel, Twe aim to develop a much more varied, lush, and open landscape. The sometimes- parched valley needs more wetlands. That is why we will develop 850 hectares of flowery meadowlands and reed beds. To this end, we will restore the winter river bed, so the river can break out of its narrow summer bed again. The groundwater level will be raised with river barriers, creating wide reed beds and wet grasslands. A perfect habitat for the bittern, the porcelain grouse, the bullhead frog, and the beaver. We will restore the connections between the river and its tributaries again. Fish will have more space to move around freely again too.

Surface area: 100 hectares Territory: Temse Phase: planning phase 40 41 PROJECTS

Vlassenbroek Wal-Zwijn

ince the summer of 2012, the alder, ash, willow, and open water. This area will oday Wal-Zwijn consists largely of River Scheldt by removing the summer levee. Vlassenbroek Polder in Dendermonde only flood once every 50 years. poplar forests, fields, and marshes. We hope to welcome such eminent visitors is being redeveloped as a 240 hectare The 170-hectare Wal-Zwijn will be as the avocet, the oystercatcher, and the little flood plain. The northern part will be The construction of the compartmentalisation the first to face a storm and flood. ringed plover in the freshwater mudflats and Stransformed into marshes and mudflats that levee between the northern and southern part TWe will build a ring levee with sand from the marshes. attract a lot of waders, geese, ducks, and of Vlassenbroek was a real feat. This levee was Durme Valley, from where you can admire the migratory birds. In the spring, you will see marsh built using an innovative technique. The building changed Scheldt landscape. marigold flowers here, and in the long term, rare material: 100,000 m³ of silty dredging material from willow tidal forests will grow in the marshes. The the Scheldt. Since then, the new, efficient, and Wal-Zwijn, which includes Grote Wal, Kleine We will widen the summer levee in the wide area is used only once or twice a year as a flood sustainable technique has also been implemented Wal, and Zwijn, will be transformed into Scheldt bend in Hamme so the water can control area. The southern part will become a elsewhere in Vlassenbroek, including the a flood control area with nature. We will flow more freely, creating rare marshes and green patchwork quilt of marshy grasslands, northwestern part of the ring levee. depolder Groot Schoor on the banks of the mud flats.

Surface area: 240 hectares Surface area: 170 hectares Territory: Dendermonde Territory: Hamme Phase: in progress Phase: in progress

42 43 Want to know more?

De Vlaamse Waterweg nv Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos [email protected] Sea Scheldt Department Scheldt project www.sigmaplan.be Lange Kievitstraat 111-113, box 44 Virginie Loveling building 2018 ANTWERP Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein 70, box 73 fl + 32 3 224 64 11 9000 GHENT + 32 9 276 20 40