As my time in the Netherlands comes to a close I have a few items left on my “bucket list.” One of those items is a visit to the Maeslant storm surge barrier. The barrier is located near Hoek van Holland in the Nieuwe Waterweg and protects the port of Rotterdam (the busiest port in Europe) from the North Sea. The barrier consists of two moveable arms which are each the height of the Eiffel Tower. When not in use, the arms slide into docks on the shores. The barrier is one of the largest moving structures on Earth.
The Maeslant Barrier is just one of the big, expensive, hard structural water defenses in the Netherlands. The Dutch use large scale engineering projects like storm surge barriers, dikes, and polders to keep their “feet dry”, but there are also a number of smaller scale safety measures in the cities. For example, Delft has flood barriers and flood gates strategically placed in canals around the city. The city of Dordrecht uses flood gates and raised steps to protect areas outside the dike.
Delft flood protection - Parts of flood gates on the walls
Delft flood gate in action
Delft flood gate with nearby low windows/doors
Water is everywhere in the Netherlands. Every city that I have visited so far either has canals, rivers, or harbors. The Dutch live in such close contact with water. It appreciated for its beauty and utility, but unless you are speaking with someone in the water management industry there is little fear of water. The general population takes for granted that the government will protect them from flooding. It is easy thing to do considering many of the flood defenses are built for 1/1,250 to 1/10,000 year events. For comparison, many flood defenses in the U.S. are built for 1/100 year events. Nevertheless it is still a little unnerving to think about how far below sea level I am!
The people of the Netherlands have turned the threat of water into an opportunity. It is a never ending battle to save their land from the sea, but they do it well. I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to see this county first hand after studying it online and in class.
Until next time,
Jennifer
Maeslant Barrier Picture Source: