If the gas extraction at Vledder continues, there will be no reverse burden of proof. Minister Sophie Hermans (VVD) writes this in response to questions from Drenthe MP Julian Boshoff (GroenLinks-PvdA) about the gas extraction plans at the village.
“If damage occurs as a result of gas extraction in Vledder, residents and small companies can report this to the Mining Damage Committee,” writes the Minister of Climate and Green Growth. “This committee is investigating the cause of the damage and, if there is mining damage, gives advice on the amount of the compensation. This takes over the burden of proof of residents. Vermilion has committed itself to following the advice of the Mining Damage Committee.”
In Groningen and Norg there is a reverse burden of proof. There, the mining company must demonstrate that damage is not due to mining activities in the Groningen field or the gas storage at Norg. Residents can report here to the Institute Mijnbouw damage Groningen for damage. This is not extended to the whole of the Netherlands, and is therefore not set for Vledder. Something the municipality of Westerveld would like. “This seems to have little added value compared to the current method of claims settlement by the Mining Damage Committee, because the Commission already relieves residents by taking over the burden of proof,” said Hermans. The minister also states that the risks in gas extraction from small fields are “many times smaller” than those at the Groningen field.
The municipality of Aa and Hunze recently criticized this committee because it believes that the committee is opting for the oil and gas winner, and not for the inhabitants.
Vermilion wants to win gas in the neighborhood and has locations in mind between Vledder, Vledderveen and Wilhelminaoord. Residents of Vledder were updated last month about the plans and the current state of affairs. The Ministry and Vermilion were not there. During this information meeting, residents expressed their concerns: possible damage that can arise, increase in traffic or noise nuisance.
The minister expects that no effects will be expected around five kilometers around the gas field. There are approximately 7,600 addresses in that region, including the village of Vledder. “It is clear that there is a life about the intended gas extraction near Vledder,” writes Hermans. She says that the worries are known to her. “Both the Ministry and Vermilion try to address these concerns as well as possible and to give a place in the decisions that are being prepared.”
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