Jenneke Ensink of the action group Stop Wastewater Schoonebeek believed that the municipality should press The Hague for more research, such as soil research. According to her, the reports from TNO and SODM give every reason to do so. “The tremors are increasing, but due to the sandy subsurface it would not be too bad,” she repeated one of the findings. But there is no mention of the peatlands in the surrounding area.
Ensink: “SODM and TNO believe that wastewater injection should stop in the event of an earthquake of 3 on the Richter scale. But we think 2 would be better.”
There were more concerns about the soil. Such as the desiccation of peat soil and the possible consequences of land subsidence. Bart van Zon from New Amsterdam warned the municipality (and indirectly Schoonebeek) about this. Especially if there is a risk of more earthquakes. In his village, several residents are experiencing damage to their homes due to subsidence.
And that is significant, according to him. “Some homes can no longer take anything. An earthquake and at least 20 homes are destroyed. We are really on edge. The municipality has a task here. Protect your citizens.”
Not everyone was negative. Naoberschap Oliedorp (NOD), a group of residents who speak out in favor of restarting oil extraction, mainly sees the bright side. According to Margriet Weerman of the NOD, there is good consultation between the parties involved and residents through the so-called Relief Table.
According to her, many suggestions have been received about how to spend the money allocated to the region. This should mainly benefit the (green) energy transition, economic impulses, well-being and social innovation.
According to NAM project leader, safety comes first. “As WC Duck, let us not say anything about that. But if that were not done well, we would not get the revenues we are aiming for.” Oil extraction also benefits Schoonebeek, he further noted. “You talk about employment, local purchasing and taxes to local governments.”
Ultimately, 35 to 40 million euros in investments and contributions will be made in the area, according to the project leader. According to him, NAM looks to the future and invests in sustainable initiatives. He mentions, among other things, the construction of a hydrogen factory on the former GZI site and the construction of the Pottendijk wind and solar park near Nieuw-Weerdinge.
Tomorrow, the position yet to be taken by the municipality of Emmen on water injection will be discussed during a committee meeting. The Ministry of Economic Affairs takes this into account in the decision-making process about NAM’s plans.