The Eel Regulation Compliance project at the River Blackwater in Langford is for installation of eel friendly screening equipment at our abstraction point on the river. The work is driven by the need for Essex & Suffolk Water to comply with the Eels Regulations (2009) and will improve the biodiversity value in the River Blackwater.
ESSEX & SUFFOLK WATER ABSTRACT WATER FROM RIVERS IN THE COUNTIES OF ESSEX AND SUFFOLK. THESE ABSTRACTIONS ARE DIRECTED TOWARDS OUR WATER TREATMENT WORKS WHERE WE PROCESS RIVER WATER, TURNING IT INTO DRINKING WATER AND DISTRIBUTING IT TO OUR CUSTOMERS.
Essex & Suffolk Water are committed to protecting the environment and communities we serve. One such example of this is the investment we are making to ensure that our abstraction points from the rivers Chelmer, Blackwater, Stour, Waveney and Bure comply with legislation to protect eels.
Eel populations have seen a sharp decline since the 1980s and whilst the exact reasons are unknown legislation is now in place to prevent eels becoming trapped within raw water abstraction points. The regulations apply to companies and individuals who abstract water or prevent the safe passage of eels, this includes Essex & Suffolk Water.
EEL PROTECTION PLANS FOR THE RIVER BLACKWATER
Working with the Environment Agency (EA) we have identified three projects at the River Blackwater to support compliance with the Eels Regulations. There are two raw water abstraction points (intakes) which require screening to prevent eels being drawn into the abstraction process. A fish pass is also planned which will support the upstream migration of eels and fish from the lower ponds to the main river.
Design works are in progress and we have carried out some environmental and ground condition surveys on site to support the feasibility studies. In the early phases of the projects (from January 2021) there will be occasional presence on site for further survey work but most of the planning and design will be done off site. The main site construction activities are unlikely to start before summer 2021; there will be regular updates posted on this portal to keep you up to date with progress.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
We recognise that our works may inconvenience you at times and we are committed to reduce the impact that the works may have on you.
We want to provide an outstanding service while we work in your community. To help us deliver this, we have outlined some key statements for our employees and partners to work to.
We shall keep you informed during the planning stage where our work directly affects you.
We will make sure our work is carried out safely and that our works areas are secure.
Our employees and partners will always act in a professional, courteous and helpful manner.
Your opinion is important to us. We encourage comments on our Community Portal and are happy to discuss any queries raised.
We are approachable. Our site team would be happy to discuss any concerns or answer any questions you may have.
We are here to help. We will do our best to minimise disturbance and manage your expectations.