Our Layer to Langford Pipeline Project team is using a non-intrusive method to cross two major Rivers in Essex, the River Blackwater and the Langford Cut.

The method, known as directional drilling, drills a tunnel beneath the rivers through which over 200m of pipeline will be pulled. The alternative to this would involve sheet piling the rivers to stop the flow, overpumping the water and then open cutting the rivers, potentially causing ecological and environmental disturbance.

Work started last week, beginning with the drilling of a pilot tunnel 6m beneath the river beds. This will be followed by work to widen the tunnel ready to accept the large diameter pipeline.

The drilling process itself is expected to take four weeks.

Today marked a significant milestone on this project with the start of our archaeological field work. Having previously completed desk based assessment and aerial surveys we have now moved into the phase of trial trenching. This involves the excavation of strip trenches across the pipeline route that will allow archaeologist to search for historic artefacts. During this phase we will be liaising closely with Essex County Council and Colchester City Council to report our findings and allow them the opportunity to complete their own assessment within the trenches. If any artefacts are located these are recorded and the trench is backfilled. Where significant artefacts are found more detailed investigation will be completed prior to the process of pipelaying, these may even alter the route of the pipeline. This phase of the work is scheduled to last approx. 8 weeks.

In mid April 2023 we completed the installation of the first sections of pipe associated with the project. The pipe was installed adjacent to the existing B1019 Langford Road near to the area of a new development by Countryside Properties. We worked closely with Maldon District Council and Countryside Properties to complete this work such that when the B1019 is realigned, we would not have to dig up the new road causing inconvenience to the local communities. 

Proposed raw water main route drawings - I wanted to share with visitors to the community portal the proposed route alignment for our new raw water main. The proposed route has been developed following extensive ecological surveys, engineering considerations and land owner engagement. We welcome your feedback on the route and any observations you may have. We will of course be happy to share the output of our surveys and investigations and many of these will support our forthcoming EIA Screening request to both Colchester Borough Council and Maldon District Council.  

Our Framework Partner Allied Exploration and Geotechnics (AEG) has been completing Ground Investigation work along the route of pipeline in recent weeks. This work includes an assessment of ground conidtions through which the proposed pipeline will be routed. The work is carried out using specialist equipment to drill holes up to 15m in depth into the ground to determine the underlying conditions and ensure the ground is suitable for the pipeline.