Construction Storage Area Sammerspolder
During the June 2021 water flood situation, the vulnerability of the area west of Alkmaar emerged. The area, about 5,000 hectares (about 3,500 soccer fields) in size, lies in a bowl between the dunes and the higher elevations of Bergen and Heiloo. The construction of the water storage will allow us to better manage water overflow situations in the future.
What will happen?
We have started preparations for the construction of 'Bergingsgebied Sammerspolder'. The Sammerspolder drains excess water into the Schermerboezem with the help of Sammerspolder pumping station. The storage basin water is drained to the outside water via Den Helder (Wadden Sea), Zaandam (North Sea Canal), Schardam and Monnickendam (Markermeer).
A bottleneck in the polder system is Alkmaar's tight water system. Because of the buildings present, adjustments to the water system are almost impossible. Therefore, a possibility to temporarily store the water during a water overflow situation at a location to the west of Alkmaar was examined: 'Bergingsgebied Sammerspolder'.
Like 'Bergen airport storage area', this is a storage area that can be used primarily for the Sammerspolder and secondarily for the storage basin (and surrounding polders). Not only the Sammerspolder benefits from this storage location, but all polders west of Alkmaar that drain into this storage basin system. They can continue to grind for longer without a grinding stop.
In order to construct "Storage Area Sammerspolder" (over 11 hectares, about 8 soccer fields), the following work must be carried out:
- Lowering the ground level by excavating soil;
- constructing wharves along the edges of the plot;
- Damping and modifying ditches;
- the construction of various structures such as a pump (will be relocated outside the disposal area), culverts and inlets/outlets;
- the construction of drainage;
- adjusting the water level in the storage area appropriate to the use of the plot as grassland.
Where does the project take place?
The project is located east of the village of Egmond aan den Hoef in the Sammerspolder which is part of the municipality of Bergen. The water storage area has quays around it and is located north of the Het Maalwater bicycle path.
When will the project take place and how long will it take?
Work will begin in early 2025 and last until the end of 2025.
Who do we work with?
We are working with local farmers, the municipality of Bergen and the province of North Holland.
This project is co-funded by the European Union.
Want to know more?
For more information about this project, please contact Mr. J. Zijp (environmental manager) or through Mr. T. Groot (project manager) via our contact form or by calling 072 - 582 8282.