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The cabinet wants to raise groundwater levels to reduce CO2 emissions and prevent subsidence of houses. This is confirmed by sources in The Hague after reporting the Telegraph.
A package of measures to reduce nitrogen emissions is expected next Friday, which also includes measures on the level and quality of water. Among other things, the cabinet wants to raise the water level in peat meadow areas so that the peat emits less CO2. Peat will rot when it dries, thus emitting greenhouse gases.
Peat farmers in the Groene Hart and in the east and north of the country will be particularly affected by the plans: it is more difficult for cows to walk on wetter meadows and tractors cannot drive. The vegetation may also change and there will be more (marsh) plants that the cows don’t eat.
Sinking houses
Most vulnerable are homes that are not built on concrete piles or concrete foundations. This concerns houses in peat areas and clay polders: Western Netherlands, North Friesland and Groningen. Houses built before 1980, still standing on wooden piles.
Build in the future
The measures that the cabinet will introduce on Friday will also focus on building the future. More account should be taken of the risks of building in low-lying areas and the risk of flooding from large rivers.
This has no consequences for current plans, such as in the municipality of Zuidplas, where a completely new village will be built more than 6 meters below sea level. But the question is whether such plans are still possible in the long run. Scientists have previously warned that the Netherlands should no longer build in high-risk areas in the coming decades. Water authorities have also called attention to possible damage caused by building in the wrong places.
Poor water quality
Earlier this year, Minister Harbers wrote to the House that the quality of water in our country is also it is in very bad condition and that the government must respect European rules.
According to the European Water Framework Directive, all groundwater and surface water in Europe must be of good quality by 2027. Streams, ditches, lakes and rivers must meet several requirements. For example, there are regulations in the field of water quality for plants and animals, but also standards for toxic substances. A ditch or lake only meets the requirements if all parts are in order. Harbers has already spoken of a “solid challenge” this spring.
The cabinet is expected to announce more on Friday on an action plan together with the provinces and water authorities. An action plan for coastal areas will also be drawn up, including in view of salinisation.
