Groundwater protection, water extraction areas and drilling-free zone

Groundwater protection areas are protected areas for abstraction for public drinking water supply. For the South Limburg extractions from the limestone, the entire repatriation area is protected. For the remaining extractions, the 25-year zone is protected. We distinguish between phreatic and non-freatic groundwater extractions. In the Environment Regulation, we have included specific rules for the (new) establishment or extension of various types of establishments or structures and for the (prohibition of) the use or transport of various (harmful) substances. Groundwater protection areas are also vulnerable areas under the exemption sewage obligation.

Water extraction area also vulnerable area. Areas for the protection of the quality of groundwater for the purpose of drinking water extraction. Sensitive areas under the exemption sewage obligation.

Drilling-free zone: Limburg has two drilling-free zones. This is the area in the Venloschol where a clay layer (Kiezeloöliet Klei) occurs and the entire Roerdalslenk. In the drilling-free zones, the drilling of clay layers for specific applications to protect groundwater resources is prohibited. In the Venloschol, the rules apply to drillings that go into the clay layer (Kiezeloöliet Klei) or deeper. This means in practice that for drillings deeper than 5 meters + NAP the regulations apply. In the Roerdalslenk, the depth at which the clay layer is found is much more erratic. Therefore, four different zones were designated of 0, 20, 30 and 80 metres respectively. The regulations apply to deeper drilling in the area concerned.