A MER is a Flemish environmental impact report (milieueffectenrapport). It gives a detailed overview of the potential environmental consequences of certain activities or interventions in an area. An environmental impact report is prepared before the implementation of a project or plan in the Flemish region. It ensures that adverse environmental effects can be caught at an early stage

As early as 1883, engineers noticed that parts of the quay wall in Antwerp were subsiding towards the Scheldt. We are now stabilising the quay wall once and for all with sustainable and innovative techniques.

In the past, horses or human pullers used towpaths to tow boats. Now they are primarily used to provide maintenance services to the canals, banks, bridges and so on. They are often also public paths for walkers, cyclists, roller skaters and even anglers. Businesses and residents can obtain permits to access the towpath with motorised vehicles. Speed pedelecs are also allowed to ride on some stretches of towpath, provided that they stick to the 30km/h speed limit.

At high tide, a high inlet sluice lets a limited quantity of water onto the flood control area with reduced tides. At low tide, the water slowly flows back to the Scheldt through an outlet sluice.

We are reconnecting around 30 meanders to the Demer. Meanders are natural curves of a river. They make the river more dynamic and natural and attract more life to the water. During heavy rainfall, they can also act as an extra water buffer. Because the meanders are less deep than the Demer, they also help to push the water up. This stops the area from getting too dry in summer.

A GRUP is a regional spatial implementation plan (gewestelijk ruimtelijk uitvoeringsplan). The authorities in Flanders use spatial implementation plans to define what is and isn't permitted on all plots in a given area. This type of plan can be prepared by a municipality, a province or – in the case of a GRUP – the Flemish region.

We are raising the current average groundwater level to turn Polder of Lier into wetlands. This means the water level is slightly higher, especially in summer. There is plenty of room for this, as the surrounding residential areas are almost 3 metres higher than the flood area. The flexible sluice system allows us to adjust the water level in the flood area. This also guarantees that the local residents will stay safe and dry at all times.

Tidal marshes are infiltrated with gullies and creeks that fill with water flows at high tide and drain again at low tide.

Tidal nature arises in tidal areas. These areas are largely dry at low tide and get flooded again at high tide. There is constant movement of sand and silt with the tides. This creates a magnificent tidal natural environment that includes tidal mudflats and marshes.

A flood control area with reduced tides has the same structure as an ordinary flood control area but its overflow levee also has a smart sluice system. At high tide, a high inlet sluice allows a limited amount of water in, just enough to trigger the development of tidal mudflats and marshes. At low tide, the water slowly flows back through a low outlet sluice and towards the river Scheldt. The area therefore ensures water safety while fostering the development of a tidal natural environment.