New Oldenoord pumping station completed
Work on the new Oldenoord pumping station has been completed. The new pumping station was completed and commissioned at the end of 2024, replacing the old one from 1984. The Oldenoord pumping station, located east of the village of Toornwerd on Oldenoordweg, drains the Hogepandstermaar, followed by the Startenhuistermaar. The new pumping station will improve water level control in the area.
Increase in discharge capacity
The area drained by the Oldenoord pumping station covers 1,200 hectares. The new pump processes 125 cubic meters (125,000 liters) of water per minute, increasing the discharge capacity by 25,000 liters per minute. The water is discharged via the Hogepandstermaar into the Boterdiep. During periods of extreme rainfall, more water needs to be drained. In dry periods, water can be pumped into the area via the new pumping station. The pumping station is automatically operated and equipped with an automatic duckweed cleaner that stops floating material, such as plants and wood, from entering the system. This prevents damage to the pumping station's screw pump.
Fish lift
Part of the new pumping station is a fish passage (fish lift). Fish are guided to a waiting room by means of a lure current and then transported through the lock. This is important for fish migration, as it allows them to pass through the pumping station unharmed.
Sustainable construction
The new Oldenoord pumping station has been constructed in a circular and sustainable manner. Both the duckweed screen cleaner and the steel and wooden sheet piling have been reused. It has also been constructed using a modular, virtually cement-free method and is emission-free/low in CO2.