Attention to nature

Pumping Station De Poel is being built close to bird sanctuary Westplaat, a lake where many water birds float. In order not to disturb nature, Vonk Ecology provided ecological guidance. For example, the area around the construction site was inspected for nesting birds prior to the work. And the effect of the piling work on the behavior of the waterfowl was assessed, so that immediate action could be taken where necessary.

Gebr. Beentjes GWW, which together with VOBI Infra forms Aannemingscombinatie De Poel, is a regular client of Vonk Ecology. "If there is an ecological component within a project, we are usually called in," says Dave Vonk. "Just last summer, for example, we provided ecological guidance for Gebr. Beentjes GWW during the modification of a large number of pumping stations and ditches. At De Poel pumping station, our contribution may not have been so great, but it was crucial to the progress of the project. In fact, preliminary research showed that the construction of the new pumping station could potentially disturb the waterfowl that float and breed in the area."

Waterfowl

Vonk Ecology checked the area and particularly the banks for nesting birds prior to the work. "Should we find a nest, implementation must wait until the nest has been abandoned," says Vonk. "That was not the case here. So the contracting company could start work with peace of mind." Vonk Ecology was then called in again when pile-driving work began. "A few days before pile driving, we observed the behavior of the waterfowl on site. This was mirrored by the first blow of the pile-driving rig. The waterfowl present obviously did react, their heads went up for a moment, only to happily continue what they were doing; floating around and eating. So after a few blows they were already used to the noise and we could conclude that the pile-driving was not causing any disturbance."

Ecological work protocol 

As an ecological consulting firm, Vonk Ecology works nationwide for many contractors in ground, road and hydraulic engineering. "They must demonstrate through an ecological work protocol that they are working with consideration for nature," Vonk knows. "We put together such a protocol. Among other things, it describes how to act in unexpected situations, such as the discovery of a nest or habitat of another protective species. In addition, we also provide so-called flora and fauna quick scans and any resulting follow-up surveys, a requirement under the Nature Conservation Act for demolition and renovation work or when applying for an environmental permit. Part of the quick scan is an assessment of Natura 2000 areas. Here too, we offer a 'helping hand', including performing nitrogen deposition calculations. And finally, we specialize in drawing up a spatial substantiation for projects that initially do not fit within the rules of the existing zoning plan."

So the scope of Vonk Ecology in the ecological domain is very broad. "If preliminary research indicates a high probability of nesting birds during a project, we can even take measures to ensure that nesting does not occur at that site. We also advise or provide protective measures to prevent the colonization of protected species on a construction site. Because that too is what we mean by attention to nature," Vonk concludes.