The NOx Filter Box 2.0 at Vissers Ploegmakers

Nitrogen deposition reduced for Natura 2000 area

Construction company Vissers Ploegmakers realizes complex and integral solutions in civil engineering. This includes the Peel Canals project in the Deurne Canal and Helenavaart commissioned by Waterschap Aa en Maas. Dredging, maintenance of embankments, adjustments to structures, and closing off unauthorized persons within the eastern embankment of the Deurne Canal are among the activities of this project. These activities will take place in 2022, mostly within the Natura 2000 area Deurnsche Peel & Mariapeel.

Nitrogen deposition in Natura 2000 area

Prior to the activities mentioned above, it was determined that there would be nitrogen emissions. Nitrogen emissions lead to a temporary increase in nitrogen deposition within the Natura 2000 area Deurnsche Peel & Mariapeel. This deposition can result in soil acidification and mineral deficiencies, causing biodiversity to disappear. Due to the necessity of this project, no permit from the Nature Conservation Act was required. However, Vissers Ploegmakers had the ambition to prevent possible negative effects on the nature reserve. "Our goal is to limit the negative effects of nitrogen deposition in the Natura 2000 areas as much as possible," says Ron de Mol, project manager at Vissers Ploegmakers. Calculations have shown that it is practically impossible to carry out the necessary activities without an increase in nitrogen deposition. The question arose: what target value can be used when it comes to reducing or possibly preventing an increase in nitrogen deposition?

On the way to 0.0 emission

At the request of Vissers Ploegmakers, it was investigated whether nitrogen deposition could be reduced with the help of the NOx Box 2.0 developed by OC Verhulst and Interfilter. "Our filter box was developed with the aim of capturing NOx from outdoor air," says Ben Lamens, consultant at Interfilter HVAC. Thanks to the use of just one Interfilter NOx Box 2.0 during the 12-month project, the highest calculated deposition of 0.31 mol/ha/year within a hexagon in the relevant Natura 2000 area is reduced to 0.13 mol/ha/year. In addition, the use of the filter box reduces the number of hexagons with a calculated increase in nitrogen deposition from eight to just two hexagons by 0.10 mol/ha/year. "The Interfilter NOx Box 2.0 ensures that Vissers Ploegmakers can work environmentally friendly within the Natura 2000 area Deurnsche Peel & Mariapeel."

Learn more about the NOx filter box on the product page. Curious about all the facts and figures of this project?