Sinking of quay at Valkenburgse Meer may not be preventable anymore; embankment crumbled

The Safety Region Midden Nederland have said that it is still unclear whether the further sinking of the quay at the Valkenburgse Meer can be stopped. A section of the embankment measuring 150 by 20 meters has already crumbled. If a hole appears in the quay, a low-lying piece of polder near the lake could be flooded. There is no danger to people, the safety region stated.

“The usual measures do not seem to be suitable at this moment in time. We are carrying out measurements to get a better picture of the condition of the quay. An underwater drone is being used to determine how deep the quay is sinking," the safety region stated.

The safety region is also taking measures to protect the area behind the quay. Sandbags are being taken to the location so that they can be used instantly when necessary.

Employees will place these sandbags behind the quay, the Rijnland Regional Water Authority reported. “We do this to prevent possible flooding in the polder behind it. Rijnland employees will do a quay inspection round once every three hours during the evening hours from Tuesday leading into Wednesday.”

The cause of the crumbling is not clear yet. The area around the quay is currently closed off. Water connections to adjacent areas are closed.

According to the safety region, there is no risk of danger to local residents. "A breach could possibly cause 15 to 20 centimeters of water to rise in a piece of uninhabited polder."

An electricity cable in the nearby area was shut off on Tuesday evening. Despite this, the residents continued to have access to electricity.

The lake was created by sand excavation but is also used as a recreational lake.