River Blackwater (Langford)

Langford Mill Eel Screen Progress

Activities on the Langford Mill Eel Screen project are taking shape. This week the team have been preparing the site, installing temporary fencing and levelling the ground to create a safe working area next to the river. We had an archaeologist on site with the team today overseeing the levelling works in case of any historically important finds although nothing of interest was turned up.

Preparations are being made for the lowering of the river to enable the existing intake structure to be inspected. We're working closely with the Fisheries team from the Environment Agency to make sure fish are protected during these works. The EA will monitor the activity, checking the oxygen levels in the water and will assist with moving fish out of the affected area if required. It's hoped that this will all take place next week (from Monday 27th September), pending receipt of a permit from the EA. Further updates will be provided if the works have to be rearranged.

In addition to these site-based works, the eel screen fabrication is progressing well at the manufacturer’s workshop. When complete, it will be transported to site in sections and reassembled at the riverside before being lifted into place with a crane.