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 Waveney in Shipmeadow 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 Waveney.
WHERE WE WILL BE WORKING AND WHAT IT WILL INVOLVE
The Waveney 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 drum-shaped screens underwater on the front of the existing concrete structure. Protective piling and a floating boom will be installed in the river to shield the structure from small boats and floating debris. The existing post and rail fence around the outside of the intake compound may be replaced (if required) and a secondary fence line inside this boundary will be installed for security. A noise-reducing green GRP (plastic) kiosk will be constructed within this fenced area to house the control equipment and instrumentation that will allow us to operate the screens.
To provide our workforce with access to the river, a temporary trackway will be installed on the field between the top of Lock's Lane and the intake, following the line of the existing raised track at the western edge of the field. A temporary bridge will be installed to provide safe access for construction vehicles over New Dyke.
The installation will be undertaken using divers in the water with specialist underwater equipment. A crane will be used to lower the new screens, the protective boom and the kiosk into place. The crane will not be on site throughout the project, only for brief periods to assist in these lifting activities.