Green light for construction of wastewater pressure pipes in Westerkwartier
With the symbolic handing over of the key, the official start was given today in Marum for the construction of a total of 20 kilometers of pressure pipes for transporting wastewater from Marum and Zuidhorn to the new sewage treatment plant in Gaarkeuken. At the same time, a parallel pipeline is being constructed on the route from Marum to Gaarkeuken to transport treated residual water from FrieslandCampina's cheese production facility in Marum to the Van Starkenborgh Canal.
Contractor Strukton Wegen en Beton received the key to carry out the project from the clients, the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority and dairy company FrieslandCampina. The construction of the transport pipelines will be completed in the fall of 2024.
Improving water quality and nature
The installation of pressure pipes and the construction of the new treatment plant in Gaarkeuken are necessary to improve water quality and flora and fauna in the area. The current treatment plants in Marum, Zuidhorn, and Gaarkeuken are outdated. They no longer meet the requirements for treated water. In addition, discharging treated water into the vulnerable Dwarsdiep will no longer be permitted from 2027 onwards. A new central treatment plant in Gaarkeuken is therefore of great importance for improving water quality and nature.
Advantages of directional drilling
Strukton uses two methods for laying the pressure pipes. Both the traditional method, in which a trench is dug to place the pipe, and construction using guided drilling. With guided drilling, part of the new pressure pipe is pulled underground. A major advantage of this method is that it avoids above-ground obstacles such as crossing the A7 motorway. It also avoids excavation in vulnerable areas. In addition, the nuisance to the surrounding area is considerably reduced.
New claims settlement process does justice to landowners' interests
Prior to the implementation of the project, a damage protocol was drawn up in close collaboration with the landowners concerned and the Dutch Agricultural and Horticultural Organization (LTO), which does justice to the interests of the landowners concerned. In the event of a disagreement, the water board has the responsibility to prove its case. Previously, this responsibility lay with the landowners.
Westerkwartier Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
The construction of the pressure pipes for transporting wastewater, like the construction of the new sewage treatment plant in Gaarkeuken, is part of the overall Westerkwartier WWTP project. The old wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Marum, Gaarkeuken, and Zuidhorn are severely outdated. They no longer meet the requirements for treated water. The treatment plants in Marum and Zuidhorn will be decommissioned. The construction of the new pressure pipe is necessary to transport the sewage from Marum and Zuidhorn to the new treatment plant. The entire project will be completed in 2025. Current project information can be found on the Strukton Bouwapp and on the project website: