Festive Completion and Transfer of WFD Measures and NNN Task Phase 2 Paterswoldsemeer

July 14, 2022, 4:46 p.m.

Noorderzijlvest Water Authority working to improve the water quality of Lake Paterswoldsemeer in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). This is being done in three phases. In addition, the province of Groningen is establishing Ecological Connectivity Zones along the eastern shore as part of the Dutch Nature Network (NNN). The WFD and NNN measures are improving the water quality of Lake Paterswoldsemeer and the living conditions for fish, aquatic insects, small mammals, and amphibians. On Wednesday, July 13, the completion of Phase 2 of the WFD measures and three NNN ponds took place. The newly constructed weir fish passage near the Meerschapsboerderij have also been put into use.

Completion

In the presence of project members, partners, and local residents, the construction company Jelle Bijlsma BV officially handed over the project to water authority and the project manager Arcadis. The sites were then returned to the management of the Paterswolde Water Board and Natuurmonumenten (Dutch Society for Nature Conservation).

Strong partnership

Before the agreement was signed, Annette van Velde, a member of the executive board of Noorderzijlvest, was among those who spoke. “This success is due to the close collaboration between the partners and government agencies. But also with the residents of the area. These are the people who contributed their ideas and followed our work with great interest. It’s important to work together to improve the plan. I hope we can move into the next phase in this way as well. Because we’re not done yet.”

Transfer

The following work has been completed, handed over, and returned to the management of Natuurmonumenten (Dutch Society for Nature Conservation), the Meerschap, and the management department of water authority :

The weir the Meerschapsboerderij has been relocated and widened;
A fish passage weir constructed at the weir ;
The Hoornsedijk polder pumping station has been replaced, and an iron sand passage has also been constructed;
Near the iron sand passage, three pools have been excavated as part of the NNN;
Nature-friendly banks have been created near the Meerschapsboerderij;
As part of climate action, a connexion has connexion between the Piccardtgraft and the Piccardthofplas (near the Martini Hospital).