Board of Directors meeting 18 February - decisions

Additional credit for Gaarkeuken solar park

Solar parks have now been built at seven wastewater treatment plants to provide for the larger part of their energy needs. The Board of Directors decided this back in 2019. At that time, an eighth location was also planned. This is now almost complete: the new wastewater treatment plant in Gaarkeuken. Because there is more time between the plans and the final completion of the renovated and expanded wastewater treatment plant in Gaarkeuken, the construction of the solar park was also started later. Safety requirements (software, security, and fencing) have become stricter in the meantime. As a result, the water authority faces price increases. The Board of Directors decided to provide an additional credit of €572,000 to build this last planned solar park at a wastewater treatment plant. The total investment amounts to €1.1 million.

Working more safely on wide mowing paths

Noorderzijlvest Water Authority maintains approximately 2,500 kilometres of watercourses each year to ensure proper water inflow and outflow. On about 500 kilometres of these watercourses, we still work on narrow mowing paths with narrow-track equipment. The Board of Directors therefore approved the future use of a four-metre-wide strip. Widening the strip from 1.5 meters to four metres will make the work safer for maintenance personnel. Following this approval by the board, we will consult local stakeholders to determine the best way to implement this decision. Read more.

Reinforcement of Hoornse dyke and Meerweg Groningen

The Hoornse dyke keeps Groningen Zuid dry. During studies of the dyke, weak points were found in several places. These weak points must be reinforced in order to meet water safety standards. In addition, beavers live on both sides of the Hoornse dyke. Beavers like to dig in dykes, causing damage. This has happened several times on the Meerweg, south of lake Paterswoldsemeer, after which the damage was repaired with emergency repairs. This digging damage increases the risk of dyke breaches. The water authority wants to guarantee water safety and is therefore focusing on the tried and tested method of installing beaver fencing to prevent further damage. The Board of Directors decided to make a gross investment credit of €1,468,717 available for the further detailing the plan and implementation of the proposed measures in the Hoornse dyke and Meerweg.

Water level measurements in the Marum area

The Board of Directors made approximately €7 million available to tackle water management bottlenecks and improve water quality in the Marum area. In preparation for the construction of a balancing lake in the Dwarsdiep, other issues in the area were also studied, such as where water drainage is not functioning properly at peak times. Suggestions for improvement made by residents regarding experienced flooding were taken into account. The water authority now wants to start implementing measures to improve water quality and water supply and drainage. The balancing lake will follow at a later stage.