The Sand Engine lasts longer
Just off the coast at Ter Heijde and Kijkduin, a large sandbar was created in 2011: the Sand Engine. Currents, wind and waves distribute the sand of this sandbar along the coast between Hoek van Holland and Scheveningen. The Sand Engine is a significant experiment in innovative coastal maintenance and is therefore being monitored with great interest. It has become an international icon of innovation. Five years after it was created, the first results have been announced: the conclusions drawn are positive.
Results
The sand is distributed down the coast and this creates a wider and therefore safer coastline. A dynamic coastal natural area subsequently develops and a range of flora and fauna make this area their home. The area also has considerable recreational value for hikers, nature-lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
AFTER FIVE YEARS, THE MOST IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS ARE:- The Sand Engine has lasted longer than expected. Its expected lifespan was 20 years, but it is now expected that it will be able to provide the coast with sand for a longer period;
- The growth of dunes in the coastal zone is happening less rapidly. Sand has to be transferred over a relatively large distance in order to form dunes, which means dune formation is occurring less quickly than expected. This has no further impact on coastal safety;
- In the area around the Sand Engine, the number of plant types and growing sites is increasing;
- Many different birds and sand dwellers (infauna) appear in coastal areas. In the first five years, more than 50 different species of birds have been observed;
- A wider range of recreation is taking place in the area. The number of bathers has decreased, but the number of active recreation participants has increased. There are more nature-lovers, hikers and active water sports enthusiasts, such as kite surfers and horseback riders.
The Sand Engine experiment lasts for 20 years and the next evaluation will take place in 2021. This evaluation will hopefully answer questions about long-term processes. Is the one-time addition of sand in the Sand Engine experiment better for sand dwellers (infauna) than regular sand deposits every 4 years? And which method is more economic financially?