Board of Directors Meeting 9 September

Funding for completing the renovation of the third treatment line at the Garmerwolde Wastewater Treatment Plant

For some time now, work has been underway on the renovation of the treatment lines at the wastewater treatment plant in Garmerwolde. This is where wastewater from households and businesses in the city of Groningen and the immediate surrounding area is treated. There are three of these treatment lines at this location. The first two have now been completed. The investment for renovating the third treatment line had already been budgeted at over €6 million at the end of 2025. At that time, a credit of €5 million was initially made available. As the line remained in continuous operation until the renovation began, its actual state of maintenance could only be fully assessed after work started. Therefore, the remainder of the required credit has now been made available. Over €1.5 million is still needed to complete the renovation work. The renovation will yield energy savings of at least 10% and improve the plant’s performance. That means cleaner water will be returned from the wastewater treatment plant to surface waters. The modernised plant therefore contributes to the water authority's ambition of providing clean and healthy water.

Feasibility study for efficiency improvements at the Leek Wastewater Treatment Plant

In addition to improving the quality of treated water in Garmerwolde, maintenance is being prepared for smaller plants in Noorderzijlvest’s region. The facility in Leek - built in 1975, with the last major overhaul in 2007 - is next in line. The water authority will conduct a feasibility study to determine what is needed to improve the performance of the wastewater treatment plant in Leek. The smaller wastewater treatment plants, which are increasingly capable of returning treated water of improved quality to surface waters, also contribute to clean and healthy water. The feasibility study is budgeted at €350,000.

Replacement of the Ernsthemstertil bridge near Eenrum

The water authority is bringing the maintenance condition of dozens of bridges up to standard with a programme that runs up to 2028. The aim is to transfer bridges in good condition to local authorities. The permanent bicycle bridge over the Baflo-Mensingeweer canal is now included in the programme. The existing bridge—dating from the early 20th century—will be replaced completely. Traffic restrictions have been in place for a long time due to the poor state of maintenance, and there are frequent subsidence issues between the cycle path and the bridge connection. The replacement will restore adequate safety to the area. The new bridge is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2027. The investment totals over €1 million.

First phase of the Peizerdiep stream valley restoration project

On 9 September, the water authority will decide on a €3 million investment credit for the first phase of the Peizerdiep stream valley development. In the Weehorst and Stenhorsten subareas, old stream structures will be restored to improve water quality. This marks an important step towards clean and healthy water in the Peizerdiep stream valley. Measures are also being taken to retain water for longer periods. This will reduce the pressure on De Onlanden during periods of extreme rainfall. The measures also contribute to achieving the nature conservation objectives in the Dutch Nature Network. Two new pumping stations will also be constructed. The project is carried out in collaboration with the Drenthe Provincial Executive, Prolander, and nature conservation organisations.