How will this affect the environment
The project has engaged with the Environment Agency and operates under a Flood Risk Approval Permit (FRAP) for the works to strengthen and repaint the structure.
We have had to communicate our methods of construction to access the structure while working within the flood plain of the River Tame.
We will minimise our impact on the watercourse and surrounding by:
- carrying out up-to-date water vole, bird nesting and bat roost survey in the area before starting works, as the previous works information report was over three years old. This was to check that the works would not affect any new wildlife
- not storing materials in the flood area so that during a flood, materials could not be washed downstream
- securing (bolting down) scaffolding to the strip footings and removing all flood debris after the water had receded
- not shining lighting on the river to not affect the sleeping of fish
- not placing scaffolding into the watercourse
- making sure that temporary welfare and power are towable so that in a flood emergency, it could be removed from the area. Any plant or materials kept in the area would be towable or easily removable using hi-ab or skip wagon in the event of a flood alert
- making sure that, during the blasting of the external paint to the structure, the entire scaffold will be encapsulated in a shrink wrap to contain the dust and paint from escaping and entering the watercourse
- staff signing up to the EA flood alerts for the area local to the River Tame
- returning the area to its original condition post-works, with local wildflowers sown, and bird and bat roosts installed
Commitments to reduce carbon
To date:
- over 105,000 miles have been driven in low/no emission vehicles on the project
- electric cars have saved approximately 70% more CO2 compared to using a petrol or diesel vehicles
Page last updated: 3 January 2024
