Aquaterra & Dutch Delta Congress: no panacea for adaptive water management in world’s large deltas

October 27th, 2011 by nwp

Aquaterra 2011 and the 2nd Dutch Delta Congress will focus on the risk management of and new possibilities for the development of delta and coastal areas, approaching the issues from all angles – from economic and financial aspects to safety and planning. Over 700 experts from all over the world will gather in Amsterdam for three days to exchange their experiences.

Aquaterra – world forum on delta & coastal development (1-2 november)
The expected climate change will have great effects on the densely populated low lying delta areas around the world. At the third Aquaterra 2011 conference this effects will be discussed by experts from different delta areas discuss. Deltas are characterized by their complicated water systems – the place where the fresh water of rivers meets the salt water of sea, the low and high tides, the continuously moving shorelines and sedimentation. The Aquaterra 2011 will take place on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 November in Amsterdam.

No panacea – customize approaches
With the likely effects of climate change still to come and the foreseen growth of coastal cities, the strain on the dynamic natural system will sharply increase. There is no panacea for the problems of deltas. On the contrary – the number of studies on climate change and climate adaptation is still increasing and the results are far from univocal. The matter is complex and solutions require customized approaches, while experts are increasingly expected to predict consequences and find ways to avoid negative impacts.

Regional cases
As with previous editions of Aquaterra, a number of deltas were selected for experts to discuss in concrete terms, allowing them to learn from each other’s approach. New on the programme this year is the Danube. This year the regional cases are:

  • Mississippi, New Orleans (US)
  • Rhine/Meuse, Rotterdam (Netherlands)
  • Ciliwung, Jakarta (Indonesia)
  • Ganges/Brahmaputra/Meghna (Bangladesh & India)
  • Danube (Europe)
  • Incomati/Zambezi , Beira (Mozambique)
  • Mekong, Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam)
  • Nile (Egypt)
  • California Bay (US)

Full programme of Aquaterra:
www.aquaterraconference.com

Dutch Delta Congress – (3 November)
The Second Dutch Delta Congress will take place on Thursday 3 November during the International Water Week in Amsterdam. Government Commissioner for the Dutch Delta Programme, Wim Kuijken, has taken the initiative for this congress, which will focus on the Delta Programme 2012. Special attention will be given to the various individual Delta programmes, showcasing the Dutch expertise on water management in all it facets.

The congress will start with prominent keynote speakers reflecting on the focus and current dynamic of the Delta Programme from a broad perspective. Prime Minister Mark Rutte and State Secretary Joop Atsma of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment are attending the congress.

The aim of the Dutch Delta Programme – a new Delta Plan – is to protect the country from high water now and in the future, and to secure the fresh-water supply. The programme seeks a new way of planning, which is called adaptive delta planning. It seeks to maximise flexibility; keeping options open and avoiding ‘lock-in’. In the meantime, the so-called delta decisions are prepared in order to be able to take the necessary measures if the current water system reaches its limits.

The whole national climate adaptation plan is based on the 5 Dutch D’s:

  • Delta Act
  • Delta Programme
  • Delta Fund
  • Delta Commissioner
  • Delta Decisions

During the congress various discussions will take place on subjects including water safety, the freshwater supply and drought, and adaptive delta management. Also part of the congress is the Delta Parade, an exhibition on the nine projects that form the Delta programme. The exhibition shows what the Delta Programme stands for and what the current state of affairs is.

Full programme of Dutch Delta Congress:
www.deltacommissaris.nl

More on the International Water Week
Both Aquaterra and the Dutch Delta Congress are part of the International Water Week. Other related events are:

  • Aquatech Amsterdam trade fair
  • Integrated Aqua Solutions exhibition
  • Excursions to Dutch water ‘hot spots’
  • Conference Water Cities in Transition

Full programme of the International Water Week:
www.internationalwaterweek.com

Posted in News.

Professor Arjen Hoekstra receives Baltic Sea Award for research on water footprint

October 26th, 2011 by nwp

Professor Arjen Hoekstra of the University of Twente has received the Baltic Sea Award. He was awarded for his research on the Water Footprint. This is an indicator of water use that looks at both direct and indirect water use of a consumer or producer.

The ceremony took place in Gdansk (Poland), during the annual summit of the Baltic Development Forum and the second annual forum on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea region by the European Commission.

It is the first time that this award is presented to anyone outside the Baltic Sea region. Earlier prize winners include the President of Finland. To award a sum of 5000 euros linked. The Baltic Sea Award is awarded alternately to politicians, businessmen and scientists. Of the jury include the Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk.

Extraordinary tool for the region
The Water Footprint can give an indication of the water consumed in e.g. agriculture, industry and households. Although the water footprint is not specific to the Baltic Sea region, the concept is seen as an extraordinary and very interesting for the area.

Professor Hoekstra developed the Water Footprint in 2002. In February the Global Water Footprint Standard was published of which Hoekstra was the chief author. The Global Water Footprint Standard ensures that the Water Footprint is measured in a common language and understanding. This standard has been endorsed worldwide and is used by various governments and organizations.

World wide network
Professor Hoekstra addition to his role as professor at the University of Twente also scientific director of the Water Footprint Network, an organization created by the enormous worldwide interest in the Water Footprint. The Water Footprint Network has about 180 partners, including governments, international institutions and the World Wildlife Fund.

Improvement of the water quality
The Baltic Sea Region covers Northern Europe, including Iceland, northern Germany and part of Russia. The region is a stronger profile in the world, especially in terms of sustainability.

The Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted waters in the world. This is mainly due to excessive use of nutrients in agriculture and inadequate treatment of waste water in households and industry. The rivers carry the pollution to the sea. The Baltic Sea Region will use the Water Footprint to improve this situation.

More information
Water Footprint Network
c/o University of Twente
Enschede, The Netherlands
www.waterfootprint.org

Posted in News.

DHV to operate five Australian sewage treatment plants remotely from the Netherlands

October 24th, 2011 by nwp

The West-Australian Watercorporation has awarded DHV a 3-year service contract for the maintenance and support of the aeration control of five wastewater treatment plants (wwtp) in Australia. Special software allows remotely controlled maintance of plants from the Netherlands.

Advanced automation
These five plants vary in capacity from 25.000 to 150.000 population equivalents and have been built according to DHV’s Carrousel treatment system. The plants are equipped with the advanced Aquasuite CarCON aeration controller. The wwtp’s, located at great distance from each other, are remotely operated most of the time which asks for advanced automation.

Prediction of loadings
The unique feature is that CarCON predicts the wwtp loadings 24-7 and optimizes its control parameters through a self learning mechanism. This allows CarCON to accurately and energy-efficiently control the effluent quality.

Boost to operator’s knowledge
The 3-year service contract incorporates client support, process- and control performance evaluation and maintenance of software and control through, amongst others, a yearly software upgrade. The online support also allows DHV to boost the operator’s knowledge of process and control.

CarCON is part of DHV’s Aquasuite products and services for control of water treatment systems.

Read more about CarCon: www.aquasuite.nl

This press release was originally published on the DHV website.

More information
DHV
Amersfoort, the Netherlands
+31 33 468 22 59
info@aquasuite.nl

Posted in News.

Volker Stevin receives £ 8 million order for UK coastal protection Felixstowe

October 14th, 2011 by nwp

Volker Stevin’s marine experts are currently present on the coast near Felixstowe in South East England, for the implementation of a coastal protection plan. The plan will provide protection to more than 1,500 homes, local businesses and other major facilities in the central part of Felixstowe.

Eighteen breakwaters
The order of 8 million pounds by the Suffolk Coastal District Council, comprises the construction of 18 breakwaters consisting of boulders, and the raising and widening of the beach with sand and gravel.

Additionally Volker Stevin will construct a retaining wall of rocks, including a boardwalk construction and increasing accessibility by stairs and ramps.

The plan, which extends over 1.7 km will be carried out in two phases: the first phase runs until November 2011 and the second from April 2012 until July 2012.

Minimum discomfort, maximum result
Mark Gardner, Operations Director at Volker Stevin: “This work forms a major challenge. As with all our coastal protection projects we are highly aware of the environment and we must apply the techniques to minimize impact and yet achieve the best possible result . ”

Coastal protection is vital
Councillor Smith of the Suffolk Coastal District Council, says: “The coastal protection is vital for the future of Felixstowe and I look forward to the final result in the summer of 2012. The work will cause some short-term discomfort, but given the current state of the coastal defense, we must ensure that the project is realized as quickly as possible. ”

Funded by Environmet Agency
The project is funded by the government through the Environment Agency that both the preservation of the beach over the long term and better accessibility of the coast supports.

This press release was originally published on the Volker Wessel website (in Dutch)

More information
Volker Wessels
Rotterdam, the Netherlands
+31 10 424 42 44
www.volkerwessels.com

Posted in News.

Berson launching compact Cyclops UV desinfection system at Aquatech

October 12th, 2011 by nwp

UV disinfection specialist Berson is launching its new Cyclops UV disinfection system at this year’s Aquatech exhibition in Amsterdam from 1 to 4 November. The compact, single-ended UV system has a 35% smaller footprint than Berson’s larger InLine UV systems, on which it is based, allowing it to be installed in tight spaces or where piping is mounted close to a wall, such as ground water treatment stations or mobile disinfection units.

Operator-friendly
The single-ended design also means the Cyclops is operator-friendly and can be maintained without requiring any tools: changing a UV lamp takes just two minutes; replacing a quartz tube only takes five minutes; while replacing the entire interior (including the wiper) can be completed in only 15 minutes.

Quick routine maintanance
Instead of using screws, all connections utilise snap connectors, while high pressure wing nuts replace conventional nuts, allowing hand-tightening. Both of these features simplify and dramatically speed up routine maintenance. In addition, the wiper is not fitted with a magnet, which prevents iron accumulation. Instead of using a magnet, the wiper has a position indicator sensor mounted on the outside.

Further explanation
A Cyclops 1000+ IL model will be on show at Berson’s booth (Hall 1, Booth 01.218) and specialists will be available at all times to explain the benefits of the new system, as well as being able to help with any general disinfection-related questions.

This press release was originally published on the website of Berson UV
www.bersonuv.com

More information:
Berson UV-techniek
Nuenen, the Netherlands
+31 40 290 7777
www.bersonuv.com

Latest news on Aquatech Amsterdam 2011:
www.amsterdam.aquatechtrade.com

Posted in News.

North point of Sand Motor is already at work

October 11th, 2011 by nwp

The effect of the Sand Motor is quite evident from the beach, just south of The Hague. The construction of the artifical hook-shaped peninsulathe is almost completed. The principals of the project Rijkswaterstaat and the province of South Holland report that the north point has already started to move towards the beach. And on the side of the beach a new curve has been observed growing towards the Sand Engine. The Sand Motor is already at work. The constructed bay is narrowing faster than expected. Possibly the bay closes itself.

The past weeks it has been observed that the northern tip of Sand Motor has two sandbars are moving and after each flood the situiation has changed. The monitoring team of Rijkswaterstaat accurately maps the new developments.

Sand naturally spread along the coast
The Sand Motor is an innovative method for coastal protection. It is created by the suppletion of 21,5 million cubic meter of sand, along the coast of South-Holland at Ter Heijde, just sout oif The Hague, in 2011. Wind, waves and currents will spread the sand naturally along the coast of South-Holland. The Sand Motor will gradually change in shape and will eventually befully incorporated into the dunes and the beach. The coast will be broader and safer.

Building with nature
The Sand Motor is a great example of building with nature. By depositing a large amount of sand in a single operation, we can avoid repeated disruption of the vulnerable seabed. Nature will take the sand to the right place for us. If the Sand Motor fulfils our expectations, sand replenishment off the Delfland Coast will be unnecessary for the next 20 years.

First experiment of its kind
The Sand Motor is the first experiment of its kind. With this pilot project, the Netherlands is continuing to set the standard in water management. In 2011, we are doing this by actually working with water, instead of against it. If the Sand Motor works as we expect, the concept can be rolled out to other places in the Netherlands and the rest of the world.

Mapping out the new currents
Scientists will be studying how the Sand Motor develops to see whether this innovative method for coastal protection does indeed work. Measurement data are also needed to manage the Sand Motor properly. One example is mapping out new currents so we know where it is safe to bathe. But we also want to see which animals visit the Sand Motor, and how visitors spend their leisure time on the Sand Motor.

The principles of the project are Rijkswaterstaat and the provincie of South Holland and the contractor is Van Oord/Boskalis Combination.

More information:
Project office Sand Motor
zandmotor@kustvisiezuidholland.nl
www.dezandmotor.nl

Photo: Rijkswaterstaat/Joop van Houdt

Posted in News.

Adaptation strategy: Ho Chi Minh City moves port to the sea

October 11th, 2011 by nwp

Consultancy firm Grontmij and the municipality of Rotterdam, will assist the consortium Vietnam Climate Adaptation Partnership (VCAPS) to develop the Ho Chi Minh City’s adaptation strategy. An important focus will be the port’s relocation from the city to the sea.

Increasing demand for space
Ho Chi Minh City is a densely populated delta city with a large port and it plays a crucial role in the national economy. The city’s economic development and rapid population growth has resulted in an increasing demand for space. Every year, the low-lying delta and heavy tropical rains result in serious flooding, sometimes causing significant loss of life.

Anticipation of climate change
These problems are exacerbated by climate change. In the near future, increased river discharge and rising sea levels will present increasingly severe risks to the safety of the city’s inhabitants. These challenges demand a sustainable development strategy in which anticipating the impact of climate change (adaptation) plays a major role.

Dutch consortium of specialists on urban climate adaptation
VCAPS is led by Grontmij Netherlands and further comprises Witteveen+Bos, Bosch Slabbers landscape architects, Ecorys, Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) and Urban Solutions. The project offers the consortium the opportunity to use its worldwide experience and knowledge in the field of urban climate change in the Vietnamese context. At the same time, it creates a stimulus for business opportunities for Dutch companies in Vietnam
Dutch initiative Connection Delta Cities.

Cooperation between two port cities
With the Rotterdam-based initiative Connecting Delta Cities, large delta cities all over the world are working together to prepare themselves for the effects of climate change. In March this year, an intensive cooperation was established regarding the sustainable and climate-proof development of the city and port of Ho Chi Minh City. The Dutch cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City is a good example of the projects in which Rotterdam has proved itself to be an authority in the field of delta technology and climate adaptation.

This press release was originally published on the website of
consultancy firm Grontmij

More information:
Grontmij Group
Alex Hekman
Programme Manager Delta Technology
De Bilt, the Netherlands
+31 72 547 57 57
www.grontmij.com

Connecting Delta Cities/Rotterdam Climate Initiative
Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Ms. Chantal Oudkerk Pool
e-mail: c.oudkerkpool@bsd.rotterdam.nl
www.rotterdamclimateinitiative.com

Posted in News.

Vosta and BEML to deliver dredging equipment for construction of new Indian ports

October 10th, 2011 by nwp

BEML and VOSTA LMG signed a cooperation agreement for the supply of dredging equipment to Indian end-users on October 10th, 2011.

In the presence of Mr. S. Reddy, First Secretary Legal of the Indian Embassy in The Netherlands, the agreement was signed by Mr. V. RS. Natarajan, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML, and Mr. R. Dietze, President and CEO of VOSTA LMG. BEML and VOSTA LMG will combine their resources and expertise for the purpose of the construction of dredges for India.

Construction of seven new ports
The Indian government expects an increase of the cargo to be handled through Indian ports by an additional capacity of 1294 million tons in the next ten years with an investment of Euro 27.37 billion. The existing ports are not in a position to manage all this additional cargo.

Therefore, the Indian government has decided to build 7 new major ports upgrade 2 non major ports and triple its exports by 2017. For the construction of these ports and for the maintenance of existing ports dredging equipment is necessary.

Deepening of five national waterways
The government of India (GOI) announced their recent maritime agenda laying vigorous emphasis on the promotion of coastal and in-land waterway shipping to de-congest the roads and to improve the environment. There are five national waterways covering about 2500 KM’s of river systems.

It is the decision of the GOI to improve the navigable depths in these waterways. For deepening and maintaining these waterways dredging equipment is necessary.

Availability of dredgers
The present Indian dredging companies are unable to meet the growing demand for dredging operations due to non-availability of dredges to carry out the tasks. Due to the lack of availability of dredge equipment, demand for all types of dredges is expected to be robust for the coming years.

Earmarked dredging equipment supplier
BEML is a Mini-Ratna public sector company engaged in manufacture of earth moving, construction, rail and metro, aerospace equipment in India. BEML Limited is earmarked by the Indian Ministry of Defense to enter the dredging equipment supply market in India.

Designer of dredging equipment
The VOSTA LMG group of companies designs dredges and provides dredging components packages, supervision, project management, and after sales services for the dredging industry . VOSTA LMG deliberately does not own production facilities but teams up with co-operation partners to serve the dredging market.

Pooling their resources
BEML Limited and VOSTA LMG strive to be leading in the supply of dredges to the Indian end-users, and consider their specific strengths to be complementary. By pooling their resources, a suitable yard to design, construct and deliver various types of dredgers according to the design of VOSTA LMG and the delivery of equipment of BEML Limited, will complement the co-operation.

This cooperation agreement is considered for long-term relationship for the manufacturing and supplying of dredgers for the Indian market to fulfill the growing demand for new dredging equipment in the coming ten years.

This press release was originally published on the Vosta website.

More information
VOSTA LMG
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
+31 20 493 6666
www.vostalmg

Posted in News.

Consultant Grontmij third Dutch company on Palisades Global Water Index

October 5th, 2011 by admin

Grontmij announces that it has been included as at the end of September 2011 the Palisades Global Water Index (ticker PIIWI), a leading Dow Jones index measuring the global water industry.

Global water business
The Index is comprised of companies traded on stock exchanges worldwide that significantly participate in the global water business and serves as a proxy for measuring the increasing economic value of water associated with the impact that temporal and spatial scarcity has on the relationships among human health, economic development and ecological sustainability. The Index is designed, managed and maintained by Palisades Water Index Associates, LLC, a provider of water industry indices and research in the USA.

Grontmij is an expert in the whole range of sustainable water, and energy management solutions, with revenues in Water & Energy for the year 2010 of 210 million euro.

Sustainability as design principle
Sylvo Thijsen, CEO Grontmij NV: “I am very pleased with the listing on this index as it recognizes Grontmij’s commitment to our sustainability by design principle which is at the heart of our business and forms the basis of our CSR strategy. It also acknowledges our extensive knowledge and expertise in the water industry. By applying sustainability considerations to all our design, consultancy and management services right across the value chain, our highly-skilled expert professionals are able to create lasting solutions that plan for, connect and respect the future.”

Grontmij is the third largest engineering consultancy in Europe with approximately 10,000 professionals and almost 300 offices across the region and a further 50 offices globally. The company’s four business lines are: Planning & Design, Transportation & Mobility, Water & Energy, Monitoring & Testing.

This press release was originally published on the
Grontmij website.

More information:
Grontmij
De Bilt, the Netherlands
+31 30 220 79 11
www.grontmij.com

The Palisades Global Water Index is a modified equal-dollar weighted index comprised of companies (currently: 31) traded on stock exchanges worldwide that are positioned to benefit significantly from the escalating global demand for water and the ecological imperative of sustainable water resource governance. The Indexes are comprised of six sectors that define the water industry, each of which is assigned a Sector weight based upon relative fundamentals. These sectors are water utilities, treatment, analytical, infrastructure, resource management and multi-business.

More information:
Palisades Water Index Associates LLC
Sherman Oaks, CA, USA
+1 310 922-1481
www.palisadesx.com

Posted in News.

Largest Dutch Pavilion ever at Aquatech Amsterdam trade fair

October 4th, 2011 by nwp

Host country the Netherlands will have its largest pavilion to date at the 2011 edition of the Aquatech Amsterdam trade show. It is sure to be a central meeting point for everyone looking to become more familiar with the Netherlands water sector. Twenty-five prominent Dutch water technology companies will be present at the pavilion. In addition, a specially equipped lounge will be set up to receive visiting delegations and other guests for an introduction to the latest developments in the Dutch water sector, from monitoring to water governance. Aquatech Amsterdam 2011 takes place from November 1st till 4th.

Networking with Dutch water experts
The Netherlands has specialised knowledge and expertise in the field of water technology and civil engineering. Its flood control techniques and high-quality water treatment with advanced technologies are rightly famous worldwide. Visitors to the Holland Business Pavilion at Aquatech Amsterdam can find more information about this at individual company stands and they are invited to network with Dutch water managers.

Dutch pearls
The Holland Business Pavilion will host more than 25 individual stands of Dutch water technology companies. Most of them are smaller enterprises with cutting-edge products who wish to expand their contacts in the international water market.

Water governance and water resource management
Delegations from abroad will be received in the middle of the pavilion. And this does not only apply to delegations coming to visit Aquatech Amsterdam itself – the trade show will be part of the International Water Week Amsterdam (IWW) for the first time this year, meaning it will be accompanied by a very broad offer of conferences, workshops, excursions and networking events.

The Dutch Pavilion will be organised by Aqua Nederland, the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), VLM and the Water Alliance.

Other highlights
More hightlights at the International Water Week in Amsterdam are:
- combined IWW-conferences AquaIndustry, AquaInnovation and AquaTerra
- annual Dutch National Delta conference
- Industrial Leader Forum – debate about future industrial water supply
- Integrated Aqua Solutions – show case of world famous water projects
- many excursions to outstanding water projects
- Dutch & world pipe-fitting championships

More information on the Holland Pavilion at Aquatech
c/o Netherlands Water Partnership
The Hague, the Netherlands
+31 70 304 37 00
www.nwp.nl

More information on Aquatech Amsterdam 2001
www.amsterdam.aquatechtrade.com

More information on the International Water Week
www.internationalwaterweek.com

Posted in Features.

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