Strategies for Management of Dredged Materials in the Netherlands

Dredging of waterways, which is of vital importance for the economy, ecology and water management in the Netherlands, is in arrears. The main reason is the invisibility of the problem, which has lead to a lack of financial means. Moreover, in our densely populated country, possible destinations for dredged materials have become scarcer and more expensive. The present situation calls for a coherent and sustainable strategy for dredged materials in the near future. For this purpose a project to arrive at a Dutch Master plan was carried out. The main objective of the project is to make proposals for solutions and required measures, in co-operation with all parties concerned, which is used as a basis for political decision-making. The Master plan has led to the following major conclusions and recommendations to the Dutch government: A substantial increase of budgets (more than double) is needed to remove the arrears, for which a period of 25 years is envisaged. Better coordination of the dredged materials and the joint use of disposal sites and treatment plants to reduce costs. Facilitation of more destinations for dredged materials such as the promotion of treatment and beneficial reuse and adaptation of legislation.