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 co-creation with 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 Lake Paterswoldsemeer, Phase 3, are being implemented under the project name “Meer in Balans – 2” (Groningen and Drenthe). Nature-friendly shorelines will be created at various locations along Lake Paterswoldsemeer. Here, aquatic and riparian plants will grow that absorb nitrogen and phosphate from the water. This will improve water quality. It will also create more natural habitat for fish and aquatic organisms. To create additional hiding and spawning spots for fish and small aquatic organisms, fish forests and fish hotels will also be installed in the lake.
Symbolic groundbreaking ceremony
Oosterhuis BV will carry out the work in collaboration with subcontractors De Boer & De Groot Civil Engineering and Van Schaik Ingen Construction. Arcadis is responsible for project management and supervision. In addition, the project involves collaboration with the Paterswolde Water Board and Natuurmonumenten (Dutch Society for Nature Conservation) representatives from the local community are also actively involved. Together, they symbolically kicked off the project by completing an informational panel detailing 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. Working 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 work will mainly involve pruning. When creating the nature-friendly banks, the existing banks will be significantly thinned out to reduce the amount of leaves falling into the water. This will look quite bare for a while, but the banks will quickly become green again. The creation of the nature-friendly banks, fish forests, and fish hotels will be spread out over the year, with careful consideration given to the recreational season. In early spring and in December 2024, trees and shrubs will be planted at various locations as compensation.
