Over 100 interested parties at information meeting about land subsidence and gas extraction
On Tuesday evening, November 19, an information meeting was held in the town hall of Tytsjerksteradiel about land subsidence and gas extraction in the municipality. More than 100 residents came to listen to the various experts who had been invited by the municipality.
The municipality's goal was to provide an informative evening. 'The reason for this information meeting is the concerns of our residents and the municipality itself about soil subsidence and gas extraction,' explains Alderman Tytsy Willemsma. 'Out of our duty of care, we want to serve our residents and provide clear information.' Representatives from the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, research organization TNO, the Mining Damage Commission, and gas company Vermilion gave presentations about their role in gas extraction and soil subsidence.
21 centimeters of subsidence
Gas extraction has been taking place in the municipality since the early 1970s. In 2008, attention was already drawn to significant subsidence. At that time, it was about 17 cm of subsidence. In 2024, the most recent measurement of the subsidence was carried out. The deepest measured point is now 21 centimeters. "This is the largest subsidence in Friesland," says Willemsma. "This causes great concern for us and our residents. This has been enough."
Limit reached
The subsidence due to gas extraction may be a maximum of 24 centimeters. Other causes of subsidence are not included in this. The subsidence has major consequences for regulating the water management. The municipality fears that it will no longer be able to discharge the excess water into the boezem. "The consequences will soon be impossible to pay for with money, which is why we are completely opposed to the new extraction plans," says Willemsma. The limit has been reached for the municipality.
