It might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when making expanding plans for your greenhouse: bombs from the Second World War. For the entrepreneurs eyeing the Dutch horticultural area Prima4a this is a matter of talk and for project manager André Rotteveel, explosive removal has become part of his job. "Well, of course I don’t do it myself, but I do the supervision. An exceptional experience," he comments.
Decoy airfield
PrimA4a is the name of a new greenhouse hub. It is near Schiphol and in the Second World War the land was used by the Germans as a decoy airfield. Because an aircraft is not allowed to land with bombs on board, the Germans dropped their explosives near the decoy airfield. Together with the Allied forces bombing, this has resulted in many bombs ending up in this area.Precision work
In total, more than 40 bombs have been removed over the last couple of years already to make room for the growers. But some of the explosives are too deep underground to be removed just like that. It requires precision work from divers. Not only the explosion risk, but also problems with the soil must be taken into account. The soil in this area is vulnerable and the danger of salinization exists. So all caution is required to monitor the agricultural quality of the surrounding fields.
Frogmen
Last week a sheet pile wall was placed between two bombs. Frogmen dived into the excavated construction pit and are trying to identify the bombs. "Such a skill", André comments. "I admire it very much. In the meantime also these explosives have been removed. This week the bombs were set off. Now we can proceed to a next phase."
As project manager, he is also responsible for the planning works. Tomato grower Schenkeveld wants to start with his business by the end of this year. "He can now start the preparations for the construction without the risk of explosion! In addition, our approach is to minimize damage to the water-retaining layer so that extra salinization of the polder does not occur."
As project manager, he is also responsible for the planning works. Tomato grower Schenkeveld wants to start with his business by the end of this year. "He can now start the preparations for the construction without the risk of explosion! In addition, our approach is to minimize damage to the water-retaining layer so that extra salinization of the polder does not occur."
Source: Projecten LTO Noord