Start of implementation of WFD measures for Paterswoldsemeer phase 3
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. The measures for the third and final phase will be implemented in early January 2024. These measures were developed in 2020 through a collaborative process involving representatives of residents, recreational users, businesses, nature conservation groups, and recreational anglers. Over the past few years, the measures have been further refined and prepared. On the morning of Wednesday, December 13, the official kickoff for the implementation of the work took place.
More Balance – 2 (Groningen and Drenthe)
The WFD measures for Paterswoldsemeer phase 3 are being implemented under the project name Meer in Balans – 2 (Groningen and Drenthe). Nature-friendly banks will be created at various locations in Paterswoldsemeer. Water and bank plants will grow here that absorb nitrogen and phosphate from the water. This will improve water quality. It will also create more natural habitat for fish and aquatic animals. To create additional shelter and spawning grounds for fish and small aquatic animals, fish forests and fish hotels will also be installed in the lake.
Symbolic start of work
Contracting firm Oosterhuis BV will carry out the work together with subcontractors De Boer & De Groot civil engineering and contracting firm Van Schaik Ingen. Arcadis will be responsible for management and supervision. In addition, there will be collaboration with the Meerschap Paterswolde and Natuurmonumenten (Dutch Society for Nature Conservation) representatives from the local community will also be actively involved. Together, they symbolically gave the go-ahead for the work to begin by completing an information board about the measures to be implemented.
"Carrying out a major project in an area with many diverse interests can be challenging," said Arie van Wijk, executive board member at Noorderzijlvest Water Authority. “At Paterswoldsemeer, we are proud of the fact that we accomplished this together with the local community. In collaboration with local residents and stakeholders, we developed a package of measures that strikes a balance between recreation and nature. We hope this will lead to a Paterswoldsemeer that people and animals can enjoy for many years to come.”
Implementation in 2024
Until the start of the breeding season on March 15, the main focus will be on pruning. When constructing the nature-friendly banks, the current banks will be thinned out considerably so that fewer leaves fall into the water. This will look quite bare for a while, but the banks will quickly become green again. The construction of the nature-friendly banks, fish forests, and fish hotels will be spread out over the year, taking the recreational season into account. In early spring and in December 2024, trees and shrubs will be planted at various locations as compensation.
