A MINING watchdog has advised the Dutch government to significantly decrease the amount of gas extracted from the north-eastern region of Groningen.
It said a cut is necessary to reduce the risk of damage caused by subsequent earthquakes.
The Dutch State Supervision of Mines urged the government to slash the amount of gas extracted from this year’s maximum of 24 billion cubic metres (31.4bn cubic yards) to 12bn cubic metres (15.7bn cubic yards). The advice is likely to be a factor in the decision on the level of extraction allowed from the lucrative Groningen gas field, one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves.
Inspector general of mines Theodor Kockelkoren said: “A major intervention is necessary in order to probably meet the safety standard and to reduce the risk of damage.”
Kockelkoren said there remain many uncertainties in linking production cuts to a drop in the frequency and intensity of quakes.
“We therefore choose to be on the conservative side,” he said. “After all, it concerns the safety of the inhabitants of Groningen.”
Thousands of homes have suffered significant damage in the region caused by hundreds of small quakes in recent years. Research by the University of Groningen and local health authorities suggests that thousands of residents are suffering stress-related health problems due to the quakes.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here