The De Bunt project area in Hamme will be transformed into a controlled flood area with reduced tides (CFA-RTA). The controlled flood area (CFA) means that with a storm surge in the Scheldt, the area can be flooded using the new overflow dykes. The excess water from the Scheldt is buffered in the area and slowly drained back into the Scheldt after the storm. However, the area is also a reduced tidal area (RTA), meaning that the waters from the Scheldt and Durm can also enter the area with any normal tide via a new so-called inlet lock. These cycles of high and low water in the inner area offer opportunities for the development of nature, as well as making it an attractive area for (water) birds.
The project includes the construction of a ring dyke and appurtenances (service road, ring canal, buffer basin, pumping station, parking facilities) based around the future tidal zone. SBE needed to take into account the discharge of surface water into the Scheldt, archaeological research, and the impact on people and the environment.
The transformation of the De Bunt area took place in three major phases:
A ring dyke will be constructed around the nature reserve to protect the hinterland against flooding when De Bunt comes into operation as a flood area. The drainage construction and pumping station were also built. The dyke was constructed from dredged sand from the Durme.
Start of implementation of the inlet and outlet locks for CFA/RTA operation at the level of the overflow dykes. Through this inlet and outlet lock, river water flows in and out of the area at the rhythm of the tide.
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