Philipsdam

Philipsdam is a dam that is part of the Delta Works in the Netherlands. It separates water of the lakes Krammer and Volkerak from the Oosterschelde. This dam connects the Grevelingendam to Sint Philipsland.

The lock under construction on Philipsdam

the lake Krammer and Philipsdam

History

Construction began in late 1976 by erecting an artificial island on the sand Plaat van Vliet. Eighteen months later, when the island was completed, construction of locks began for inland navigation and yachts. In 1983 the complex of locks Krammer was completed. The dam officially opened on February 2, 1987.

In 1994, a second lock was built for yachts.

Locks

The locks are technically sophisticated because they must avoid the exchange between the freshwater Volkerak and the brackish water of the Oosterschelde. The locks are designed so that there is no influx of saltwater that enters the Volkerak and only a little fresh water in the Oosterschelde. The locks rely on the physical principle that saltwater is denser and sinks, while freshwater rises. By a complex system of pipes and pumps the saltwater is pumped from the bottom, or conversely, freshwater is pumped from the top, depending on the direction of the ship. Locks on inland waterways are 280 metres long and 24 metres wide.

Environmental impacts

The dam considerably changed the surrounding landscape. Alluvial tidal marsh now support a rich animal life. An observation hut was installed to facilitate the observation of the many species of birds such as the pied avocet.

External links

• De Philipsdam [The Philips Dam], Stichting Deltawerken Online, 2004