Tytsjerksteradiel with Wetterskip and province in appeal against permit facility for gas extraction near Burgum

Extra facilities 

This concerns a permit for extra technical facilities that are needed to increase the maximum gas production from 180,000 to 450,000 cubic meters per day. This permit anticipates a new extraction plan. The Minister of Climate and Green Growth is now issuing an environmental permit that allows higher production at location TID-200 in Burgum, even though no permit has yet been issued for a new extraction plan. 

"That's putting the cart before the horse," says alderman Tytsy Willemsma. In the preliminary phase, the municipality of Tytsjerksteradiel already pointed out the order of events. The Minister of Climate and Green Growth has assessed that this is a valid method. Remco van Maurik, daily administrator of Wetterskip Fryslan, adds: The ministry only tests the effects on the surface with this permit and says: later, in the extraction plan, we will study the subsurface. We think that is a paper reality, because these permitted activities have an effect on the subsurface anyway. For example, increasing daily production creates an additional risk of soil vibration in the subsurface."

Soil subsidence 

The municipality of Tytsjerksteradiel, together with the water board and the province, is concerned about land subsidence and the risks that this entails, such as problems with water management. 'The system whereby urban rainwater is discharged into the boezem is becoming increasingly vulnerable. This problem cannot be solved with money,' says Alderwoman Willemsma. 

In Tytsjerksteradiel, the ground has already subsided more than 22 centimeters due to current gas extraction. This has caused irreversible damage with consequences for housing, agriculture, and infrastructure. According to the Minister of Climate and Green Growth, this does not play a role in the permit that has now been granted, but will only be addressed when deciding on the extraction plan. Alderman Tytsy Willemsma finds this to be "an unusual state of affairs. With this permit, the daily yield can more than double without the consequences being assessed in an extraction plan." Provincial Deputy Friso Douwstra of the Province of Friesland adds: "There is no support for gas extraction in Friesland. We are very concerned about this. The cumulative effects are unacceptable and risky, and it causes irreversible damage that is also difficult to prove. If gas extraction continues anyway, Friesland believes that at least one-third of every euro earned should go back to the region. Prevent Groningen-like situations. New or additional gas extraction in Friesland? Don't do it!"