Next step in water storage in the Onlanden

The province of Drenthe and the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority have taken an important step toward increasing the water storage capacity in the De Onlanden nature reserve.

Approval of draft project decision

The Provincial Executive 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 inspection from December 10, 2024, to January 21, 2025. 

Correction

The Province of Drenthe is correcting the notification of December 10, 2024, regarding the Draft Project Decision 'Optimization of Water Storage De Onlanden'. Part of the map (towards Roden/Peize) was missing from the original publication. The correct map has now been added, which has consequences for the inspection period : this has been adjusted from December 19, 2024, to January 30, 2025.

Visit the open house in Roderwolde on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 (Village Hall, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.).

Cooperation with the local community and attention to nature

The Hooiweg variant was developed in collaboration with residents and other stakeholders. The plan provides additional water storage within the existing quays of De Onlanden and contributes to greater water safety. At the same time, the design protects natural values. This variant keeps the area between the Hooiweg and the Leekstermeer outside the water storage area. This is an important breeding and living area for birds, and this way there will be no disturbance. Measures are being taken to preserve and even strengthen nature. 

Phased implementation and additional research

On November 7, 2023, the Provincial Executive chose the Hooiweg variant as the preferred alternative. Since then, the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority has further developed the plan. Implementation will take place in two phases: first, work will be done 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 storage area that collects water during extreme rainfall. This prevents flooding in both provinces. Since its establishment as a water storage area in 2012, the area has grown into a valuable nature reserve with marshes, rare bird species, and otters. It also offers recreational opportunities such as hiking trails and canoe routes. However, climate change has made it necessary to increase the storage capacity. The Hooiweg variant will increase the capacity from 7.5 million to 12.7 million cubic meters, while preserving nature as an important precondition.

The Eelderdiep in the Onlanden. The extra water storage capacity is necessary to provide sufficient safety for the residents of Groningen and the region and is only used in extreme weather conditions.
The Eelderdiep in De Onlanden. The extra water storage capacity is necessary to continue to provide sufficient safety to residents in and around De Onlanden and is only used temporarily in extreme weather conditions.

Opinions 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 Act - Rules on the map - Environment deskor on site at the provincial government building in Assen. Responses can be submitted via: 

  • Email: post@drenthe.nl, stating ‘Opinion on draft project decision Onlanden’.
  • Online: viawww.provincie.drenthe.nl/zienswijze (log in with DigiD).
  • In writing: to the Provincial Executive of the Province of Drenthe, stating 'Opinion on draft project decision Onlanden', PO Box 122, 9400 AC Assen.

In addition, stakeholders can ask questions during walk-in meetings:

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

Continued

After the period for inspection and comments, the Provincial Executive will make a final decision on the water storage approach in 2025. The results and the Response Memorandum will be published. Implementation will follow. The additional water storage capacity is expected to be partially operational by the end of 2025.