[1] In 1974, it was decided by Rijkswaterstaat and the Den Uyl cabinet to construct the Oosterscheldekering as a storm surge barrier at the mouth of the Oosterschelde, instead of completely closing off the tidal inlet at that location.

[2] The compartmentalisation model chosen involved the construction of the Philipsdam, the Oesterdam, and a discharge channel for managing the level and quality of the lake that would then form behind the dams.

The overall project was also required to create a freshwater lake for water management purposes, ensure a tide-free navigation on the Scheldt-Rhine connection, and achieve a tidal difference of 2.7m at Yerseke.

[4][5][6] The decision-making process for the nature and location of the Philipsdam involved a comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, leading to the selection of the variant at a sandbank known as Plaat van de Vliet as the preferred option.

Key considerations included:[7] The connection of the damn to the Grevelingendam instead of the southern shore of Goeree-Overflakkee was chosen to allow for the option of turning the Grevelingenmeer into a freshwater basin by feeding it via a discharge sluice from the Krammer, which was ultimately decided against.

The dam's southern route was deliberately positioned as far west as possible from the Plaat van Vliet and Krammerse Slikken, maximising the recreational potential of these mudflats.

In the 1990s, around forty islands were created that are of great importance for coastal breeding birds, meaning that the alluvial tidal marsh now supports rich animal life.