Green light for construction of wastewater pressure pipes in Westerkwartier
Today in Marum, the symbolic handover of the key marked the official start of construction on a total of 20 kilometre pipes to transport wastewater from Marum and Zuidhorn to the new wastewater treatment plant in Gaarkeuken. At the same time, a parallel pipeline is being constructed along the route from Marum to Gaarkeuken to transport treated from the FrieslandCampina cheese production facility in Marum to the Van Starkenborgh Canal.
Contractor Strukton Wegen en Beton received the go-ahead to proceed with the project from the clients, Noorderzijlvest Water Authority dairy company FrieslandCampina. The construction of the transmission pipelines will be finalised in the fall of 2024.
Improving water quality and the natural environment
The installation of the pressure pipes and the construction of the new treatment plant in Gaarkeuken are necessary to improve water quality and support local flora and fauna. The current treatment plants in Marum, Zuidhorn, and Gaarkeuken are outdated. They no longer meet the requirements for treated . In addition, discharging treated water into the vulnerable Dwarsdiep will no longer be permitted starting in 2027. A new central treatment plant in Gaarkeuken is therefore of great importance for improving water quality and the natural environment.
Advantages of directional drilling
Strukton uses two methods for installing the pressure pipes: the traditional method, which involves digging a trench to lay the pipe, and installation via directional drilling. With directional drilling, a section of the new pressure pipe is pulled through the ground. A major advantage of this method is that it avoids above-ground obstacles, such as crossing the A7. It also prevents excavation in sensitive areas. In addition, disruption to the surrounding area is significantly reduced.
New claims settlement process does justice to the interests of landowners
Prior to the project’s implementation, a damage protocol was established in close collaboration with the affected landowners and the Dutch Agricultural and Horticultural organisation LTO) that takes into account the interests of the affected landowners. In the event of a dispute, the water authority is water authority for proving its case. Previously, that responsibility fell on the landowners.
Westerkwartier Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
The construction of the pressure pipes for transporting wastewater, just like the construction of the new wastewater treatment plant in Gaarkeuken, is part of the overall Westerkwartier Wastewater Treatment Plant project. The old wastewater treatment plants in Marum, Gaarkeuken, and Zuidhorn are severely outdated. They no longer meet the requirements for treated . The treatment plants in Marum and Zuidhorn will be decommissioned. To transport the wastewater from Marum and Zuidhorn to the new treatment plant, the construction of the new pressure pipeline is necessary. The entire project will be completed in 2025. Current project information can be found on the Strukton Bouwapp and on the project website: