Clarity on handling of earthquake damage in Drenthe

In 2016 and 2017, Witteveen+Bos extensively investigated a number of dwellings in the Dutch province of Drenthe. Following two earthquakes, damage was reported for over 500 locations, particularly in the municipalities of Tynaarlo, Aa en Hunze, and Emmen. On 10 April 2018, the Province of Drenthe and the municipal authorities concerned announced during a joint press conference that gas and oil company NAM will offer generous compensation in the short term for all damage reported.

This means that the authorities and NAM are not using the damage assessments established by Witteveen+Bos in elaborate reports, regardless of the conclusions drawn. This is a clear and political choice, which Witteveen+Bos wholeheartedly supports, with a view to the interests of the residents concerned. This decision means that the damage in Drenthe will be handled in the same way as the damage in the ‘outlying areas’ of the Province of Groningen. In the opinion of Witteveen+Bos it is important for all parties involved that there will be a satisfactory solution soon, so that the residents can have peace of mind.

We are proud that our investigations have helped build knowledge concerning the earthquake problems, and we do understand that our efforts have not always led to the desired results for all parties. Nevertheless, we have always made every effort to ensure that the investigations were thorough and objective, and would offer a valuable addition to the development of knowledge about the earthquake problems in the North of the Netherlands.

Also read the announcement on the website of Tynaarlo municipality (only in Dutch)