Next step in balancing lake in the Onlanden

The province of Drenthe and Noorderzijlvest Water Authority taken a significant step toward increasing the capacity of the balancing lake the De Onlanden nature reserve.

Approval of the draft project decision

Provincial Executive the province of Drenthe has approved the draft project decision for the so-called Hooiweg variant. This draft, together with the accompanying environmental impact report, will be available for public review from December 10, 2024, through January 21, 2025. 

Correction

The Province of Drenthe is correcting the notice dated December 10, 2024, regarding the Draft Project Decision “Optimization of balancing lake Onlanden balancing lake .” In the original publication, part of the map (toward Roden/Peize) was missing. The correct map has now been added, which affects the public comment period: it has been customised December 19, 2024, through January 30, 2025.

Please attend the open house in Roderwolde on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 (Community Center, 4:00–8:00 p.m.).

Collaboration with the local community and a focus on nature

The Hooiweg variant was developed in collaboration with residents and other stakeholders. The plan provides for balancing lake additional balancing lake the existing flood embankments De Onlanden and contributes to improved flood safety. At the same time, the design protects natural values. Under this variant, the area between Hooiweg and Leekstermeer remains outside the balancing lake. This is an important breeding and habitat area for birds, so no disturbance occurs. Measures are being taken to preserve and even enhance nature. 

Phased implementation and additional research

On November 7, 2023, Provincial Executive selected Provincial Executive Hooiweg variant as the preferred alternative. Since then, Noorderzijlvest Water Authority has further developed Noorderzijlvest Water Authority plan. Implementation will take place in two phases: first, work will focus on water safety and measures for nature development. This will be followed by additional measures to further strengthen nature. This phased approach allows for additional research into archaeological values in the area and into the maximum rise in water levels without harmful consequences for nature.

Background: The Onlanden 

De Onlanden, located on the border of Groningen and Drenthe, is a nature and water retention area that captures water during extreme rainfall. This prevents flooding in both provinces. Since its development as balancing lake 2012, the area has evolved into a valuable nature reserve featuring marshes, rare bird species, and otters. It also offers recreational opportunities such as hiking trails and canoe routes. However, due to climate change, it is necessary to increase the storage capacity. With the Hooiweg variant, the capacity will increase from 7.5 million to 12.7 million cubic metre, while preserving nature as a key prerequisite.

The Eelderdiep in the Onlanden. The additional balancing lake necessary to ensure the safety of the residents of Groningen and the surrounding region, and is only used during extreme weather conditions.
The Eelderdiep in De Onlanden. The expansion of the balancing lake is necessary to continue to provide sufficient safety to residents in and around De Onlanden and is only used temporarily in extreme weather conditions.

Consultation responses and information meetings

Interested parties can view the draft project decision and the environmental impact report digitallyat TAM project decision Onlanden - Rules on the map - Environment and Planning Act - Rules on the map - Environment and Planning Portalor on site at the provincial government building in Assen. Consultation  responses can be submitted via: 

  • Email: post@drenthe.nl, stating ‘Consultation response to draft project decision Onlanden’.
  • Online: viawww.provincie.drenthe.nl/zienswijze (log in with DigiD).
  • In writing: to the Provincial Executive the Province of Drenthe, marked “Consultation response to the draft project decision regarding Onlanden,” Postbus 122, 9400 AC Assen.

In addition, stakeholders can ask questions during drop-in sessions:

  • December 12 and December 17, location: Bij Boon, Peize (4:00–8:00 p.m.).
  • January 8, location: Community Center, Roderwolde (4:00–8:00 p.m.).

Continued

Following the public consultation and consultation responses period, the Provincial Executive will make a final decision on the approach to the balancing lake in 2025. The results and the Response Memorandum will be published. Implementation will follow. The additional balancing lake is expected to be partially operational by the end of 2025.