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

The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is working to improve the water quality of Lake Paterswoldsemeer in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). This will be done in three phases. In addition, the province of Groningen is creating Ecological Connection Zones along the eastern side as part of the Dutch Nature Network (NNN). The WFD and NNN measures will improve the water quality of Lake Paterswoldsemeer and the living conditions of fish, water insects, small mammals, and amphibians. On Wednesday, July 13, phase 2 of the WFD measures and three NNN pools were completed. The newly constructed weir and fish passage near the Meerschapsboerderij farm also came into use.

Completion

In the presence of project members, partners, and local residents, contractor Jelle Bijlsma BV officially handed over the work to the Noorderzijlvest water board and project manager Arcadis. The sites were then returned to the management (transferred) of Meerschap Paterswolde and Natuurmonumenten. 

Powerful collaboration

Before the signatures were put to paper, Annette van Velde, executive board member of Noorderzijlvest, took the floor. "The success is due to the intensive cooperation between the partners and authorities. But also with the residents of the area. These are the people who contributed their ideas and followed our work with great interest. It is important to work together to improve the plan. I hope that we can continue in this way in the next phase. Because we are not done yet."

Transfer

The following work has been carried out, completed, and returned to Natuurmonumenten, the Meerschap, and the management department of the Noorderzijlvest water board:

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