From nine to two options?
What is the best option for extracting gas in the municipalities of Westerveld and Weststellingwerf? This question was central to the residents’ meeting. Last week it became clear that there is a diabolical dilemma involved in the choice. An investigation by Royal Haskoning has mapped out the consequences of nine possible drilling locations. This was done on the basis of various themes. Risks were identified for nature, archeology and world heritage, each option disadvantages one or more of these themes.
For the time being, the Ministry of Economic Affairs seems to prefer two of the options as a drilling location. One of these is next to a Natura2000 area, the other is near the village of Vledderveen. According to the ministry, this is absolutely not yet boarded up, but only a direction for the plans. Despite the fact that World Heritage or nature is affected at the two locations mentioned, the disadvantages are the least serious there, according to EZK.
