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Province of Zeeland: applying for an exemption for activities in an area containing a source of drinking water

Areas serving as a source of drinking water are protected. That is why you need permission if you want to carry out activities. The provincial authorities can tell you what is and what is not allowed in such areas.

The provincial authorities will review your application for a permit. The provincial authorities may have imposed conditions to protect the area against pollution.

Consult with the stakeholders first. This is, for example, the water company that draws the water from the area. Also consult with the provincial authorities and water board in advance. This increases the chances of the provincial authorities granting you a permit.

This is how you apply for a permit:

  • Go to the online Omgevingsloket (in Dutch). This is the service counter for environmental and planning permits.

  • Do the permit check.

  • You will be told whether you need to apply for a permit or whether a notification alone suffices. You can do this right away.

  • Log in.

You can submit the notification or apply for an environmental permit from the provincial authorities via the Omgevingsloket.

Costs may be associated with processing an application for an environmental permit. These fees are set annually by the provincial authorities.

You must submit the notification at least 4 weeks before the activity starts.

How long it takes before the permit is granted may depend on the type of activity and its scope. There are two possibilities:

  • Standard procedure. If the impact on the environment is limited, the standard procedure applies. The provincial authorities will decide on your application within 8 weeks. The provincial authorities can extend this period once by a maximum of 6 weeks.
  • Extensive procedure. If the impact on the environment is (potentially) major, the extensive procedure applies. Stakeholders will be given the opportunity to respond to your application. The provincial authorities can also conduct additional research. The extensive procedure takes an average of 6 months before a final decision is made on your application.

A notification is not open to objection and appeal.

In the case of a standard procedure, you object to the provincial authorities. In the case of an extensive procedure, you give your opinion (viewpoint) on the draft decision. You need to do this within 6 weeks. You do not agree with the outcome thereof? In that case, you can appeal through the courts. And appeal once more after that, if necessary.

You did not respond within the 6-week appeal period? In that case, the permit is final.

Questions about this topic?

Contact the Province of Zeeland

Visiting address

Adbij 6

4331BK Middelburg

Opening hours
Monday
07:30 - 16:30
Tuesday
07:30 - 16:30
Wednesday
07:30 - 16:30
Thursday
07:30 - 16:30
Friday
07:30 - 16:30
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Last updated on 13 August 2024