On March the 30th 2000 the report "Monitoring impact of subsidence on Ameland-East: evaluation after 13 years of gas production" was presented at Ameland to Gemeente Ameland, It Fryske Gea and NAM.
History of the research
Gas extractions on East Ameland started in 1986. Due to the gas extractions a subsidence dish has been formed which stretches out below the dunes, salt marshes, tidal flats and a part of the North Sea. The monitoring process sponsored by NAM started in 1988 to study the effects of the subsidence. The research is carried out by researchers of WL|Delft Hydraulics, in conjunction with Alterra (RIN at the time). An independent supervisory committee consisting of representatives of involved governments and the nature administrator of Ameland-East monitored the objectivity and quality of the research and report.
Resultats of the research
In 2000 the subsidence is 22 cm at the deepest point. The volume of the subsidence dish is ca. 9 million m3. In general the effect on nature of Ameland east until 2000 are very small and did not result in loss of nature.
The results in 2000 naturally don't give any security about possible effects of further subsidence. Therefore the committee advised to continue the monitoring untill subsidence is ended.
The scientific justification of the 13-year investigation took place during a generally accessible symposium at the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen at April the 12th 2000.
Download the summary (pdf 2,4 Mb) of the report "Monitoring impact of subsidence on Ameland-East: evaluation after 13 years of gas production".