The construction phase of this project is now complete.
There may still be updates, so the project will remain here. We are still monitoring the project and will reply to any comments. So if you have any questions please feel free to comment or contact us here.
The Eel Regulation Compliance project at the River Chelmer 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 Chelmer.
WHERE WE WILL BE WORKING AND WHAT IT WILL INVOLVE
THE CHELMER INTAKE WILL REMAIN OPERATIONAL THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF THE WORK WITH ONLY SHORT SHUTDOWNS REQUIRED. THESE SHUTDOWNS WILL HAVE NO IMPACT ON OUR ABILITY TO SUPPLY WATER OR ANY NOTABLE IMPACT OUTSIDE OF THE SITE.
The main construction work will include installation of a new steel frame and two rotating screens on the front of the existing concrete structure, projecting into the river from the public footpath. Protective piling and a floating boom will be installed in the river to shield the structure from boats and floating debris. The existing chain link fence along the edge of the footpath will be replaced.
To provide access to the river, a temporary bridge and trackway will be installed between the Water Treatment Works and the intake. A temporary footpath diversion will be in place for the majority of the project duration to keep the public safe and separated from the work. This will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.
The installation will be undertaken using divers in the water with specialist underwater equipment. Once the steel frame is installed a crane will be used to lower the new screens into place, inside the steel frame. Two small kiosks will be constructed on the west side of the existing intake structure to house a small electrical panel and some instrumentation that will allow us to operate the screens and monitor the river level. Some scrub will be cleared to provide space for the new kiosks but there will be replacement planting in the area once the main works are complete.