A counterweight to the negative reports about the possible restart of oil extraction and waste water injection in the Schoonebeker soil. And at least as important: ensuring that Schoonebeek gets a solid piece of the pie when the black gold is mined again. In short, that is the main mission of the action group Naoberschap Oliedorp (NOD).
The two founders Rennie Hans and Margreet Weerman therefore also want a seat at the table during the talks.
NAM plans to restart oil extraction at Schoonebeek and inject the resulting wastewater into local, empty gas fields. The intention led to great consternation among some of the local residents. An action group Stop Afvalwater Schoonebeek (SAS) was set up by people who are concerned about the environmental consequences, among other things. The lack of participation and discussion is also criticized.
The NOD looks at this with different eyes. The seed for the group was sown about two weeks ago by Wegman. “Because of all the reports in the media, I decided to take a closer look at this file.” She attended an information meeting.
She noticed that the organization around the contribution to the village is still in its infancy. “Actually, that chapter has not yet been discussed. But I did see it as an opportunity.” If oil extraction starts again, she believes it is important that the village benefits optimally.
In addition, the fuss surrounding the sound of the SAS also played a role. “But not everyone thinks that way. And I was not alone in that when I spoke to people in, for example, the store or in the schoolyard.” Schoonebeek and oil extraction are linked. And that went well for decades, was a frequently heard sound.
Hans has the same experience. “Until the SAS came into play, there was little commotion or commotion in the village. It led to a certain image that not everyone recognized. We respect every sound, but we want to offer an alternative .”
Both Hans and Weerman say they have no ties with NAM. They and their supporters look through a more nuanced lens, they say. Hans: “The expertise on oil extraction and waste water injection lies with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the State Supervision of Mines. We assume that they adequately weigh the risks. As citizens, we can assume that their judgment can be trusted. For residents, these kinds of things are too complex anyway.”
NAM wants to use innovative or sustainable techniques such as electric boilers and plastic pipes. “If you look across the border to Germany, you witness the old extraction with pumpjacks. On the Dutch side, we think things are more innovative.”
In addition to that opposition, the NOD wants to ensure that Schoonebeek and the surrounding area are transferred to the village when cashing in the proceeds. Weerman: “We want to sit down with all the authorities involved, such as the NAM and the ministry. Think along about themes on which the money is spent and ensure that it ends up in the right place.” A spider in the web, that is the idea, says Weerman. “Of course we want to tackle this collectively.”
Weerman and Hans themselves see a great opportunity for Schoonebeek to become the first self-sufficient and energy-neutral village in the Netherlands. “That’s a dream.” The contribution of NAM would be an enormous stimulus in this respect. The two expect that it will ultimately be millions of euros.
The NOD consists of a group of twelve people, but according to the two founders, registrations are pouring in. “We are sticking our heads above the parapet, that’s how it feels. But I think we have achieved something. We would not have started this if we had not expected it.”