Subsidence
Gas is located in a layer of rock at a depth of 3 kilometers. As the gas is extracted, the rock layer shrinks. All soil layers above this rock layer sink downwards. It is expected that by 2070, the ground in the area where gas has been extracted will have sunk by approximately 54 centimeters.
When the ground subsides, the bottom of watercourses in that area also sink. If such an area is connected to water from an area where the ground is not sinking, the ditches and canals will fill up until the water is at the same level everywhere.
Consequences
As the water rises in an increasingly low-lying area, the soil becomes wetter and wetter. Agriculture can then no longer make good use of the soil.
Bridges are sinking. Boats have less and less space to sail underneath them. And: our dykes quays are sinking. The water has more opportunity to flow in.
What are we doing to counteract the consequences?
First, we investigate whether subsidence is subsidence the cause of the problems in an area. If so, we investigate whether the water level can be lowered. We also look at how this can be achieved. If we can lower the water level, we have to re-establish it. We do this with a new Water Level Regulation Plan. We don't do this without careful consideration. We discuss it with the local community. There are also formal procedures to ensure that all interests are taken into account before a definitive new Water Level Regulation Plan is adopted. The aim of new water level decisions is to restore the difference in height between the ground and the water.
The water authority pumping stations to maintain the water at the agreed level. Due to subsidence , a large number of additional pumping stations subsidence pumping stations .