The feasibility of this idea was in 2002-2003 investigated by Flanders Hydraulics Research, using a combination of several research tools. As a result of the research work executed at Flanders Hydraulics Research, the expert team concluded in 2003 that none of the results contradicted the feasibility of the new disposal strategy at the Walsoorden sandbar, although final judgement would only be possible after the execution of an in situ disposal test.
At the end of 2004, 500.000 m³ of sand was disposed during one month with a diffuser in relatively shallow water at the seaward end of the Walsoorden sandbar. The experiment was thoroughly monitored, morphological as well as ecological. The evaluation concluded that the test was from morphological viewpoint a success, while the ecological monitoring revealed no significant negative changes in trends due to the disposal test. In 2006 a second disposal test took place, using the traditional “clapping” technique. The new experiment was again thoroughly monitored. The evaluation of this second test showed a larger transport of the disposed material towards the Walsoorden sandbar, which was seen as positive within the objectives of the disposal strategy. From ecological point of view no significant negatives changes in trends have been identified from this second test.
Due to both successful in situ tests, the strategy of morphological disposal will be included in the dredging and disposal operations for the future deepening of the navigation channel. Thereby it introduces benefits for both the economy (deepening and maintenance of the fairway) and the ecology (keeping the sediment in the estuary, creating new valuable areas without endangering the multiple channel system). Therefore further research work has been carried out on how to embed this strategy in the future dredging and disposal policy and the possible use of the strategy on other locations.