€190 million for waterproofing the future: historic decision

A historic decision

Never before has the Board of Directors invested such a large sum in flood protection Board of Directors a single meeting. 
The decision comes 70 years after the 1953 flood disaster and more than 50 years after the closure of the Lauwerszee. The closure marked a massive shift in the way the fishing industry in Zoutkamp operated. Now, decades later, Noorderzijlvest is once again taking charge of water safety in this northwestern part of our region.

This substantial investment has been allocated, on the one hand, to reinforcing the kilometre sea dyke Lauwersoog and the Westpolder. And on the other hand, to increasing the drainage capacity near Zoutkamp. These investments are of great importance for protecting against flooding and waterlogging in the province.

€136 million for reinforcing the Lauwersmeer-Vierhuizergat dike

Between 2023 and 2026, Noorderzijlvest Water Authority will reinforce Noorderzijlvest Water Authority sea dyke Lauwersoog and the Westpolder. The Board of Directors realisation the necessary funding of 136 million euros for the realisation . This funding will be used to reinforce the kilometre sea dyke, the kilometre harbor dyke kilometre the Western harbor dam. dyke reinforced, the dyke will dyke again meet safety requirements: this ensures we remain “climate-ready” to protect ourselves against rising sea levels and extreme weather. The project is part of the national Flood Protection Programme HWBP), the largest dyke reinforcement operation since the Delta Works. 

Most sustainable dyke

The sea dyke Westpolder and along the Vierhuizergat will be raised and reinforced with clay and stone revetment. Material from the existing dyke reused, and any new material required will be sourced from the region. A promenade will also be built along the harbour, along with a bike path and a Wadden Sea viewing platform on the rural dyke the Vierhuizergat. In the harbour , the dyke harbour dyke and raised with sheet piling. During construction, special attention will be paid to reusing materials and minimizing emissions. Included in the budget are the costs for the use of zero-emission electric equipment and the use of renewable and fossil-free HVO diesel. All of this ensures that the water authority can reduce water authority by up to 95% during this dyke reinforcement project. The Waddenkwartier Consortium, comprising GMB and Heijmans, is carrying out the dyke reinforcement.

Dyke added features for nature, traffic, and recreation

By reinforcing the dyke, we are also enhancing the Wadden Sea ecosystem, traffic safety, and recreational opportunities around the dyke. This involves constructing a second access road, in collaboration with the council Hogeland council, leading to the harbour Lauwersoog. For nature conservation, this includes creating a natural transition from the dyke the Wadden Sea, a natural salt marsh, and a dyke passage a transition zone. realise these additional measures in collaboration with council Hogeland, the province of Groningen, Rijkswaterstaat, and Groninger Landschap, also on behalf of the nature organizations Natuurmonumenten (Dutch Society for Nature Conservation), Staatsbosbeheer (Dutch Forestry Commission) Natuur en Milieufederatie Groningen. 

€54 million for Nieuwe Waterwerken Zoutkamp (Zoutkamp hydraulic-engineering works)

With the Board of Directors approval Board of Directors the loan Board of Directors over €54 million Board of Directors the way is now clear for the construction of a new pumping station the Hunsingo Lock. The renovation and restoration of this historic lock in Zoutkamp are also part of the plans. Furthermore, the old sea dyke will be flood defence sea dyke flood defence regional flood defence , and the bank protection on the north and south banks of the Hunsingo Canal will be replaced. The current pumping station .D. Louwes pumping station will be decommissioned. These measures are part of the “Dry Feet 2050 Measures” and are necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change through 2050. The project is scheduled for completion in 2025.

Opportunities for the economy, quality of life, cultural heritage, recreation, and tourism

In addition to plans to ensure water safety, there are also additional opportunities for Zoutkamp and the surrounding area. Under the nameNieuwe Waterwerken Zoutkamp (Zoutkamp hydraulic-engineering works),” Noorderzijlvest is collaborating with the Province of Groningen and council Hogeland to improve traffic safety. In addition, these partners are working to preserve cultural heritage and enhance the livability and economy of Zoutkamp. This involves not only a new pumping station the Hunsinge Lock, but also the conversion of the historic Hunsinge Lock in the former sea dyke navigation lock. This will sea dyke the old sea dyke regional flood-control function. Furthermore, water and traffic safety will be improved, tourism and recreational opportunities around Lauwersmeer will be expanded, and recreational boating toward the Hogeland and the city of Groningen will be enhanced.

€3.8 million for pumping station new pumping station

The pumping station was built in 1984 to temporarily deal with the effects of subsidence. Oldenoord drains the Hogepandstermaar and Startenhuistermaar. The water drains into the Boterdiep, which is part of the first subcatchment of the Electra catchwater. The subsidence will continue for some time. To deal with the effects of subsidence, the pumping stations Deel (1993) and Usquert (2014) pumping stations were built over time.

In 2021, the water level regulation plan for the first subcatchment of the Electra  catchwater was finalised. The function of the pumping station was re-examined in that process and discussed with the local community. The water authority now water authority to make €3.8 million available to pumping station the pumping station. This proposal has broad support in the local community: maintaining the target water level that Oldenoord has been providing for a long time is highly desirable for land users in the area. The new pumping station equipped with a fish passage and an inlet facility. Fish will be able to migrate from the Boterdiep to the Hogepandstermaar. The inlet facility will allow us to raise the water level in dry periods.