On the agenda of the general board meeting on July 12, 2023

€3,363,000 for water level decisions in Oudezijl and Garmerwolde Rottegat and climate-resilient water system

In order to manage the water level in the Oudezijl and Garmerwolde Rottegat polders in accordance with legal requirements, the general board will decide on July 12 on these two water level decisions and an investment credit of more than €3 million. This credit is necessary to make the water system climate-proof. These two water level decisions are part of the implementation program for land subsidence water level decisions that started in 2018. 

Oudezijl Water Level Decision

The Oudezijl water level decision concerns the drainage area of the Oudezijl pumping station, which drains into the Tweede
Schil Electraboezem. This area comprises nine water level areas with a combined surface area of 864 hectares. Since 1972, the ground has subsided by between 15 and 28 centimeters as a result of natural gas extraction. 

Garmerwolde Rottegat Water Level Decision

The Garmerwolde Rottegat Water Level Decision relates to the drainage area of the Garmerwolde and Rottegat pumping stations, both of which drain into the Damsterdiep. This area comprises six water level areas with a combined surface area of 450 hectares. Since 1972, the ground level has fallen between 19 and 31 centimeters as a result of natural gas extraction ( Since 1972, the ground has subsided between 19 and 31 centimeters as a result of
natural gas extraction. In both polders, the land is mainly used for agriculture. In the absence of a valid water level decision, the water levels are regulated on the basis of operational water level management, i.e., based on practical experience.
 

Construction of four fish passages at the De Delthe and Sichterman pumping stations

In 2021, the general board decided to construct four fish passages at the Sichterman and De Delthe pumping stations. A loan of €1,660,000 was then granted. These fish passages are part of the Water Framework Directive Phase 2 program. A two-phase contract in a construction team structure was chosen. Due to a shortage of capacity, the tendering procedure was delayed and the contract was awarded in June 2022.

Need extra credit 

With the completion of the first phase of the contract, the preferred options have been developed and determined. At the Sichterman pumping station, the fish passages can be realized on our own land, but at the Delthe pumping station, the situation is different. During the exploration for land purchase for the realization of this location, resistance was encountered among residents living near De Delthe. Due to time constraints, these two locations have been separated from the other two locations. The two obstacle-free fish passages at Sichterman and the Pop weir have already been awarded, so that we could proceed with
the contractor in the contract. The approach is that the two fish passages at De Delthe and the Delthe weir can be quickly connected because the technical designs are otherwise identical. This can be done after agreement with the residents and the necessary measures have been taken. The general board will decide on July 12 on the requested additional credit of €550,000. In addition to realizing part of the Water Framework Directive task, a better new access road to the pumping station and the weir can then also be constructed. 
 

Investment in maintaining properties Noorderzijlvest Water Authority 

On July 12, the general board will decide on an investment of more than €12 million for major maintenance of our water board's facilities. This includes €5,500,000 for maintenance of water system and water safety facilities and €7,000,000 for maintenance of wastewater chain facilities. This includes pumping stations, weirs, inlets, sewage pumping stations, and treatment plants. 

Asset management

In recent years, asset management has been used to assess the condition and risks of a large proportion of our properties. A necessary catch-up is required, which will take several years before all properties are brought up to a minimum standard. This catch-up will restore the safety, availability, and reliability of properties to the desired level. Implementing these measures will not lead to a quality boost beyond what is necessary for the proper operation and functioning of the properties. Major maintenance ensures that the properties can deliver the desired performance, are reliable and available, and that risks remain within the desired risk profile. The measures contribute to gaining control over the relationship between corrective and preventive maintenance. And the measures extend the service life, which also has a positive impact on sustainability aspects.