Update: Pressure pipe rupture at Sebaldeburen repaired

On Saturday evening, November 30, 2024, a leak in a pressure pipe was reported in a field near Sebaldeburen. Local residents reported a foul odor, after which the leak was discovered. The damage is such that repair work is necessary. On Sunday morning, all parties involved set to work to repair the leak as quickly as possible.

Sewage pumping stations shut down

Last night and overnight, several sewage pumping stations in the area were shut down. These are pumping stations belonging to the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, Wetterskip Fryslan, and the Municipality of Westerkwartier. The reason for shutting down the pumping stations is to prevent the wastewater from mixing further with the surface water. To protect water quality, several waterways are being dammed so that the wastewater does not spread further. After repairing the pressure pipe, an investigation will be conducted to determine whether the water system can be flushed.

Sebaldeburen polder pumping station in operation to prevent flooding

The Sebaldeburen polder pumping station is in operation. This is because we also have to deal with water drainage. If we shut down the polder pumping station, the surrounding area will experience flooding.

Sewage is transported by truck.

The sewage is currently transported by tanker trucks to our sewage treatment plant in Marum. This may result in increased truck traffic in the neighborhood.

Update: leak repaired, pressure pipe back in operation

After excavation work, the leak was found. The cause of the leak was a hole in the pipe. Twelve meters of pipe was replaced on site. After some testing, it was decided that the pressure pipe had been fully repaired and could resume operation. This means that the pumping stations will slowly be restarted. Over the next few days, we will be working on sealing the hole, restoring the site, and cleaning up the ditches. How the hole in the pipe came about will be investigated in the coming period.